Heimgartner to take warrior spirit into Indigenous Round

The R&J Batteries Camaro has adopted new war paint for the Supercars’ Championship Round at the Darwin Triple Crown (June 14-16).

Andre Heimgartner’s machine embodies the spirit of warriors and the strength of Aboriginal men carrying their culture through generations, resulting in an incredibly detailed livery.

Heimgartner’s team Brad Jones Racing had partnered with the Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) and their community groups to produce the artwork behind the livery.

This is the second year the team have collaborated with MAC to represent Wiradjuri country in the Top End.

Symbolism of the ‘warrior’ can be seen throughout the livery, representing strong Aboriginal men who sacrifice themselves for the good of others.

These men are revered for their knowledge of culture, identity and customs and their willingness to pass it down through generations; keeping alive Aboriginal culture.

The artworks were produced with this year’s NAIDOC theme at the heart - ‘Keeping the fire burning - blak, loud and proud’.

Across the side of the car are the blue lines, symbolic of the life-giving Murray River which is of utmost geographical significance in the Albury/Wodonga region.

The artist has chose to include Badja Bayaderra, the long-neck turtle which is their own totem (Yorta Yorta) and can been seen on the boot lid of car #8.

Heimgartner’s storytelling-livery will be racing across the weekend of June 14-16 at Hidden Valley where fans will be able to see the extraordinary detail up close.

MAC aims to provide culturally appropriate services and to connect and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to become more confident, take control of all aspects of their life and create pathways to a better future.

Quoteboard

Andre Heimgartner

Supercars driver, #8 R&J Batteries Camaro

“The R&J Batteries car looks impressive in its Indigenous Round livery. The Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation does a terrific job within the Albury/Wodonga community and it’s awesome that we get to carry that representation in Darwin. Every year we’re able to learn through their artists and I’m humbled and proud to carry it into Darwin.”

Carl Tunstall

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation

“When we were asked to continue this partnership for the 2024 Supercars Indigenous Round we were very happy to do so.

“We were able to see how beneficial it was to the men in our working groups who worked very hard to create these pieces of artwork and storytelling.

“For this piece the focus is on warriors. Warriors pass along Aboriginal culture between generations through stories, songs and dance. The symbol on the bonnet represents a meeting place for warriors.”