Why Indigenous Round carries extra meaning for Reynolds
The upcoming Indigenous Round in Darwin will carry extra meaning for David Reynolds.
The Darwin Triple Crown doubles as the first ever official Supercars Indigenous Round.
Reynolds won races at Hidden Valley Raceway in 2015 and 2018.
Away from the track, Reynolds is connected to Darwin through partner Tahan Lew Fatt.
Lew Fatt was born and raised in the Northern Territory, and is of Larrakia descent.
The eldest of seven, Lew Fatt has three younger brothers and three younger sisters.
She is also of Chinese, Malay and English background.
For Reynolds, every June represents a new shot at winning in the Top End.
For Lew Fatt, it also doubles as a chance to spend time with family.
"Tahan's family has a rich history in Darwin," Reynolds told Supercars.com.
"A few years before the 1967 referendum, her grandparents became the first interracial married couple.
"Back then, it was still somewhat frowned upon. They have stories upon stories.
"Her auntie even carries the nickname, ’The Queen of Larrakia’.
"It’s a beautiful culture, and I’m learning more and more about it each day."
On the Darwin grid in 2018
For Lew Fatt, the significance of her family history came to fruition the older and more inquisitive she and her siblings became.
"Growing up, we were always told about what life was like," Lew Fatt told Supercars.com.
"Back then, my pop had to live in a camp, separate to everyone else.
"When they got married, they could buy a house together and live together.
"When you’re young, you don’t really understand, and so you don’t pay attention.
"As we got older, we learned to understand, and we wanted to learn more."
All 27 cars will carry Indigenous-inspired designs at the upcoming June 17-19 event.
The Indigenous Round is the first of its kind in Supercars, which has raced in Darwin since 1998.
Race week will feature a number of special elements to celebrate First Nations people and pay respect to the Larrakia people on whose land the event takes place.
Notably, the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown will feature two Welcome to Country ceremonies.
The driver/rider signing at Darwin Waterfront will also feature a Saltwater Ceremony by Larrakia Elder Dr Richard Fejo.
A 70m-long artwork designed by Trent Lee and Jason Lee is being painted on the Gravel Trap wall at Hidden Valley Raceway.
Lee also designed the event artwork and Darwin Triple Crown Trophy.
Both Reynolds and Lew Fatt are thrilled Supercars is embracing a culture close to their hearts.
David and Tahan with son Ryu at Winton
"It’s fantastic we are acknowledging the First Nations culture of this country," he said.
"Growing up in a small rural New South Wales town, I wasn’t taught much about it.
"That has changed now, but I’m still learning a lot about it.
"I’ve always loved going to Darwin and now it’s extra special for Tahan and I.
"I can’t wait for the weekend and what it now stands for."
Lew Fatt added: "It’s so important from a representation standpoint.
"Even back when I went through the Big Brother audition process, I stressed the importance of representation.
"Representation is important, because people need to see it to understand.
"Personally, I think it’s amazing, and a big step forward."
The 2022 season will resume in Darwin on June 17-19. Purchase your tickets now.
