Bendix teases Supercars’ Indigenous Round livery

Race fans have been given an early glimpse of the stunning indigenous livery that will feature on Nick Percat’s Bendix Racing Camaro, at the 2024 betr Darwin Triple Crown next month.

Bendix commissioned proud Wadawurrung man, Billy-Jay (‘BJ’) O’Toole for the project, with the talented artist presenting his piece to FMP Group (Australia) Bendix CEO, George Kyriakopoulos, at a recent event held at Bendix’s Manufacturing Facility and Research and Design Centre in Ballarat, Victoria.

The striking creation references Bendix’s corporate colour palette of blue, black and white, while providing a unique local story from Wadawurrung Country, which takes in tracts of land around Bendix’s Ballarat heartland and south to Geelong.

Members of the Bendix team take time out to meet artist Billy-Jay (‘BJ’) O’Toole at the artwork handover event.

BJ explained the elements of the painting and his consideration in creating each layer of the design.

“At the bottom of the artwork I’ve embedded a symbolism of the many hills and mountains in the region which are significant places and landmarks on Wadawurrung Country,” BJ said.

“Above that there’s a line of cross hatching, a traditional marking honouring that we are on Wadawurrung Country. Then there’s a reference to the many waterways which were resources for Wadawurrung people for thousands of generations.

“Eucalyptus leaves are embedded into the artwork to showcase Bendix’s passage on country, to welcome and cleanse all while they are on country.

“The four birds shown in the painting also hold significance. Bunjil the wedged tail eagle was the creator of Wadawurrung Country 60,000 years ago – using his big powerful wings he created and carved the land to what it is today. Waa, the crow is the protector of Wadawurrung Country and is emotive to Bunjil. Kunawarra the black swan is present in the artwork, as one of the largest black swan populations is on Wadawurrung Country at Lake Wendouree.

“Pawan the magpie sang to the first sunrise on Wadawurrung Country, and is part of our creation story, so was important to include.

“Meeting places on the painting are shown as a sign of journeying, representing the different countries Bendix gets to see through Supercars racing. And the handprints signify Bendix employees and stakeholders’ commitment to honouring and celebrating First Nation’s culture by applying this artwork to its Supercar for the upcoming Indigenous Round,” BJ said.

The artist explains the story behind his piece as FMP Group (Australia) Bendix CEO, George Kyriakopoulos, looks on.

George Kyriakopoulos said Bendix was overwhelmed by the quality and connection of BJ’s piece, and could not wait to see the painting transferred to the Bendix Racing Camaro.

“We wanted our Supercars Indigenous Round livery to be something unique to Bendix, and to pay respect to Wadawurrung Country which has been the spiritual home of Bendix in Australia since 1955,” George said.

“We are so excited and moved by BJ’s artwork and the detailed thought and messaging he’s put into the piece. I think with this livery adorning the Bendix Racing Camaro, we’ll have a winning car in Darwin.”

Local artist and proud Wadawurrung man, Billy-Jay (‘BJ’) O’Toole, poses with his artwork.

Additional information about BJ O’Toole can be found on his social channels: www.facebook.com/papulaborginalart and www.instagram.com/papul_art/