First Indigenous livery revealed ahead of Darwin
The Blanchard Racing Team has kicked off Indigenous Round celebrations by releasing its stunning livery.
Tim Slade’s #3 CoolDrive Racing Mustang will carry a striking design centred on artwork by Melissa Tipo/Yaram.
The June 17-19 Merlin Darwin Triple Crown will be the first official Indigenous Round of the Repco Supercars Championship.
The CoolDrive livery is the first of the 27 Indigenous-inspired liveries to have been unveiled for the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown.
Tipo/Yaram has drawn together multiple facets core to Supercars, the Blanchard team and the local Northern Territory area.
Djerait/Larrakia/Kungarakan artist Tipo/Yaram's family has lived in the Darwin and Litchfield areas for generations.
She is currently Academic Coordinator for the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, which delivers a CSIRO program for women seeking opportunities in a STEM career.
At the centre of the eye-catching CoolDrive scheme is the Saltwater Crocodile, which represents strength, power and masculinity.
Balancing out the Crocodile, the water lilies represent fertility, the blue signifies water, and the dots around the motifs symbolise prior generations, who are still overseeing and guiding society.
The bonnet painting also features a number of various topics.
The top left of the bonnet represents Larrakia Country, with the Larrakia people the traditional owners of the Darwin region.
The flowing water surrounding the community, otherwise known as the 'Saltwater People’, is also represented.
Bottom right on the bonnet is the Blanchard team, its families and the community supporting the outfit.
The star at the top right of the bonnet represents ‘Grandpa', paying tribute to the late John Blanchard Snr.
A closer look at the bonnet artwork
Team co-principal Tim Blanchard applauded the Indigenous Round initiative and celebrated Tipo/Yaram’s work.
"It’s fantastic that in 2022 as a sport we are celebrating the Indigenous Round for the first time, and immersing ourselves with the local history, people and culture,” Blanchard said.
"Melissa has done a brilliant job in drawing together so many aspects that are important to the team, and combined tell a great story.
"We hope the car goes as well as it looks.”
Slade enters Merlin Darwin Triple Crown placed ninth in the point standings, having recorded seven top 10s.
The 36-year-old last year secured a pair of top 10 results at Hidden Valley Raceway.
More Indigenous Round liveries will be revealed over coming days, leading into the June 17-19 event.
The Merlin Darwin Triple Crown will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and the Seven Network, and streamed live via Kayo.
Purchase your Merlin Darwin Triple Crown tickets now.
