Supercars has begun rolling out its 2026 Indigenous Round liveries ahead of the betr Darwin Triple Crown, with cars across the grid set to carry artwork created by Indigenous artists, organisations and students when the championship races at Hidden Valley from June 19 to 21.
Now in its fifth edition, the Indigenous Round has grown into one of the championship's most distinctive weekends, turning the field into a moving gallery of First Nations storytelling. The first wave of reveals covers seven cars, with a full schedule of 24 entries listed across the grid.
Matt Stone Racing unveiled one of the most detailed designs, a livery for 2023 Darwin winner Jack Le Brocq's Chevrolet Camaro by Wadawurrung artist Billy-Jay O'Toole. At its core sits the message "Koling Wada Ngal" — Let Us Walk Together — with waterways, coastline, ochre landscapes and eucalyptus leaves woven through the artwork, and Bunjil the creator depicted flying over Country.
"The car looks fantastic, but what stands out most is the story behind it," Le Brocq said. "The themes of community, respect and coming together really resonate with what the Indigenous Round is all about. It's a privilege to race with artwork that celebrates First Nations culture and acknowledges the history and traditions that continue to shape Australia."
Team owner Matt Stone said the partnership with O'Toole, who also designed teammate Zach Bates' car, reflected a wider purpose. "We're proud to continue working with Billy-Jay to bring Indigenous artwork to life on our race cars," Stone said. "This design carries a strong message of welcome, connection and walking together. It's great that Supercars and the teams continue to use the sport as a platform to help recognise and celebrate First Nations culture."
PremiAir Racing was first to reveal its designs, with the cars of Jayden Ojeda and Declan Fraser carrying artwork by 15-year-old Arrernte artist Telisa "Tilly" Palmer, a student at Worawa Aboriginal College. Her design uses shark motifs and ocean lines to explore strength and adaptability.
"I love that sharks are an apex predator that shows strength, protection and sharp instincts," Palmer said. "The shark has held wisdom about the ocean and has survived in it for thousands of years because it is adaptable and fearless. The movement of a Supercar on the race track reminds me of a shark swimming through the ocean; together, they exist and move in strength, power and speed."
The shark theme recurred elsewhere. Walkinshaw revealed a Māori design for Ryan Wood's Toyota GR Supra by contemporary artist Petera Te Hiwirori Hatea, titled Mangōpare — the Māori word for hammerhead shark. Hatea described working with the New Zealand driver to reflect a heritage Wood is still discovering.
"Talking with Ryan and his team, and learning a small part of his background, made the design process feel very natural and meaningful," Hatea said. "Although he doesn't know his specific tribal affiliations through his Indigenous connections, I was able to reaffirm that simply being Māori is more than enough. More than anything, I hope it serves as a reminder of where he comes from, what he is connected to, and the powerful things that can be created from embracing that identity and culture."
Team 18 went a step further with dual designs from Port Lincoln artist Presten Warren — Thriving on Country for Anton De Pasquale and Camping Under the Stars for David Reynolds. "Both are centred around connection — connection to Country, community, family and the stories that bring us together," Warren said. "While they're different stories, they both reflect the strong relationships Aboriginal people have with the land and with each other. Seeing the artwork on the Team 18 Supercars is incredibly special."
Brad Jones Racing has continued its long-running partnership with the Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation for a fourth year on Andre Heimgartner's Toyota, with further liveries from across the grid expected to be revealed later in the week before the cars hit the track in Darwin.
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