First ever WAU Ford Supercar revealed
Walkinshaw Andretti United has revealed its first ever Ford Supercar, with the team joining the Blue Oval from 2023.
WAU’s sensational switch to Ford, which was confirmed last year, has been cemented by Monday’s livery reveal.
The team raced Commodores between 1990 and 2022, and was the factory Holden squad for nearly 30 years.
The first WAU Mustang revealed was the #2 NTI Racing entry of Nick Percat, who has only raced Commodores in Supercars.
Percat will again carry NTI branding, with WAU also celebrating 30 years in partnership with co-naming rights partner Mobil 1.
The 2011 Bathurst winner’s car features the white and silver of NTI, complete on a white scheme. GT stripes also run down the centre of the car.
The new look was brought to life through PPG, Signzone and Spicers.
The car is also backed by Morris, VALO, Goodyear Autocare, Isuzu Trucks, Supercheap Auto, Corestaff, Kangan Institute, TES Mechanical Electrical, PPG, Palm Trans, Move My Wheels, UMS, East Coast Lubes, Thetford, Lloyds Auctions, Spicers, Signzone, Anthem Workwear, Raceline Motorsport Racewear, OMP, Albek, Authentic Collectables, Woodstock Bourbon, Oakley, Acronis, Think Technology, Stratasys, TPF Sports, Hastings Deering Australia, Lancaster Ford, and The Cover Shop.
"The Mobil 1 NTI Racing Mustang looks incredible; the white base is really clean and the car itself looks so tough," Percat said.
"The team have put in some crazy hours and made a lot of sacrifices to get it to this point, so I can’t thank them enough, we’ve seen Gen3 take shape pretty rapidly at the workshop to be able to get behind the wheel now is exciting.
"A huge thank you to all our partners, existing and new, that have made this possible, the continuity is incredible, and I’m really proud to represent them all in the new era.
"To be a part of Mobil 1’s 30th year with the team is unbelievable, and the support from NTI I’ve had has been amazing.
"Really looking forward to getting our heads around these new cars as quickly as possible and seeing what we can do."
Percat will test his new car at Winton Motor Raceway next week.
WAU Team Principal Bruce Stewart added: "We’ve all been working towards these cars for so long now that to see it in the flesh, looking so good, is a bit surreal to be honest.
"Our team has been incredible with their dedication and commitment in getting here.
“We wouldn’t be in this position without the support of all our partners. 2023 is Mobil 1’s 30th year with our team which is just incredible, NTI have been a huge supporter of our team.
“But everywhere you look on these cars there are fantastic partners like Morris in their 13th with us now, who are intrinsically linked in the business and VALO who joined us mid last year and have done wonderful things for our sport.
“The fact we’ve had nearly every single partner recommit to us is the loyalty we love, and everyone in this business appreciated their support, as well as the new partners who have come on board who we are excited to work with.
“It’s getting very real now, I can’t wait to see the Mobil 1 NTI Racing Ford Mustang GT on track, and to get the season underway.”
Jason Kibsgaard, NTI Head of Marketing, said: "NTI is excited to be back for another season of Supercars, especially as we embark on a new era with Gen3, and the team’s first ever Ford Mustang GT.
“The hard work and dedication shown by Walkinshaw Andretti United to get the cars prepped ahead of launch, and in peak shape for the first round, is just one of the many reasons we’re proud to back the team.
“The new livery looks spectacular. It lends itself perfectly to the NTI brand and pays homage to the history of Ford. We can’t wait to see Nick in action in what can only be described as one of the most anticipated seasons of Supercars we’ve ever seen.”
Ampol General Manager Business to Business, Brad Phillips, added: "We are excited for the 2023 Supercars racing season.
"The change to Mobil 1 NTI Racing Ford Mustang GT comes with a fresh energy and we hope it marks the beginning of a new era for the team.
"We are thrilled to support them on this new journey and to celebrate 30 years of partnership between Mobil 1 and WAU."
WAU's Ford journey will commence at the Thrifty Newcastle 500 on March 10-12.
Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.
