THREE generations of Blanchard will be depicted in the CoolDrive Racing livery which hits the track at Hidden Valley on Friday.
Per the team’s explanation, “the three saltwater crocodiles together represent the three generations of Blanchard, who have passed knowledge down” and “the utilisation of the crocodile represents strength, power and masculinity”.
Tim Blanchard and his father John are at the centre of the Ford team, while Tim’s late grandfather John Sr founded the CoolDrive business.
Melissa Yaram Tipo’s design also celebrates the 2023 NAIDOC Week Theme of ‘For Our Elders’.
“We are very proud of our livery for this year’s Indigenous Round, and continue the tradition that started last year in celebrating the local Northern Territory history, people and culture,” said team co-principal Tim Blanchard.
“Melissa Yaram Tipo has once again done a brilliant job in drawing together so many aspects that pay tribute to where we have come from, and continue to be important to this day.
“For instance, the five large circles in the artwork each represent a core value of the CoolDrive team: work together, show you care, act fairly, aim to inspire and embrace change.”
BRT has also invited a 15-year-old Indigenous student from Alice Springs to join the team at the Darwin Triple Crown as she completes a VET Work placement at the event in support of her Certificate II in Automotive Studies.
“It’s fantastic that we will have Petra join the team as a part of her studies,” said Blanchard.
“She is aspiring to become a mechanical engineer, with the opportunity made possible by Melissa and her work with the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, of which Petra is a member.
“Darwin is always a highlight of the Supercars season, and we can’t wait to get racing.”