HRT unveils ANZAC livery ahead of ITM 500 Auckland

Holden Racing Team has unveiled a stunning ANZAC-themed livery, ahead of next week's ITM 500 Auckland.

The race meeting at Pukekohe Park Raceway runs over the ANZAC Day long weekend in New Zealand, so it was fitting the team uncover the one-off design at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

It is the second year running the HRT Commodores pay tribute to the ANZAC spirit, with both Holden VFs running a special livery last year at the same event.

Holden has paid its respects by moving its famous lion and driver logo to make way for the RSL’s ANZAC Appeal Rising Sun logo – now on the front door and roof of the car.

The front-quarter panel now features a silhouette of ANZAC diggers, along with the words of remembrance ‘Lest We Forget’.

The ANZAC Appeal logo will also be printed on both HRT drivers’ race suits, which will be auctioned off after the event at Pukekohe with proceeds going to the RSL and its New Zealand counterpart, the RSA.

“Holden is proud to support the ANZAC tradition, with our official factory racing team again running a special tribute in New Zealand,” GM Holden’s Motorsport and Sponsorship Manager Simon McNamara said.

“To unveil our tribute at the iconic Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne makes it even more special.”

HRT managing director Adrian Burgess echoed McNamara’s words.

“The Spirit of ANZAC is held sacred by all Australians – so it’s great that we can pay tribute, and raise awareness, by racing with a special ANZAC Appeal livery in New Zealand,” HRT managing director Adrian Burgess said.

Naturally, both HRT drivers are proud to be part of the initiative.

“We raced with the ANZAC Appeal livery for the first time at Pukekohe last year – and the reaction from the fans was amazing,” Garth Tander said.

“It’s really special when both Australians and New Zealanders can identify not only with the Holden Racing Team, but also the ANZAC spirit that ties our two great nations together.”

James Courtney said it was fantastic. 

“To be part of what is probably Australia's most important national occasion is really special," Courtney said. "To commemorate those who fought during the First World War – and beyond – while we race in New Zealand is great.”

HRT’s one-off livery for the ITM 500 Auckland will tie into ‘The Minute of Silence’ campaign, as part of the RSL’s annual ANZAC Appeal.

The Appeal, which will run from April 13-25, invites the public to purchase a pre-recorded minute of silence by phoning 1902 25 04 14, or by texting SILENCE and home state to 1999 1234.

More than 80 currently serving and former Australian Defence Force members and their families recorded the minute of silence, which is introduced by WW2 Prisoner of War Jack Bell.

The RSL's Appeals Manager, Peter Smith lauded Holden’s support of the ANZAC Appeal.

“I welcome the support of Holden and its racing team, and the initiative shown by the team to remember the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, past and present,” Smith said.

“The ANZAC Appeal's partnership with Holden and its racing team, which is in its second year, helps raise awareness of the valuable welfare work of the RSL.  

“Holden is bringing our message to the next generation, and we look forward to building on the relationship in years to come.”

See the HRT Commodores on-track at the ITM 500 Auckland, from April 24-27. Tickets are available now.