Walkinshaw TWG Racing has today unveiled a striking new Indigenous Round livery for the Mobil 1 Truck Assist Racing No. 2 Toyota GR Supra, honouring Ryan Wood’s Maori heritage ahead of the 2026 Darwin Triple Crown.
The bespoke design has been created by contemporary Maori artist Petera Te Hiwirori Hatea, whose whakapapa (ancestral lineage) connects him to the Rongowhakaata, Tuhoe, Ngati Kahungunu, Ngapuhi iwi of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Titled Mangopare, the Maori word for Hammerhead Shark, the artwork reflects Wood’s connection to his Maori culture and identity. The Mangopare is a powerful symbol within Maori culture, representing strength, resilience, guidance, and protection, qualities that have become synonymous with Wood both on and off the racetrack.
Drawing inspiration from the whakatauki (proverb) “Kei mate wheke, kia mate ururoa” (Do not die like an octopus, die fighting like a hammerhead shark) the design embodies the determination, courage and fighting spirit that Wood and the Walkinshaw TWG Racing team bring to every race.
Flowing forms of the Pitau-a-Manaia pattern can also be seen throughout the livery which symbolises the unwavering support of Ryan’s family, friends, team and team partners including Mobil 1 and Truck Assist, whose encouragement strengthens his journey. Through new learnings, growth, connections and inspiration, Wood carries the mana and pride of being Maori wherever he goes.
Born and raised in the Upper Hutt, New Zealand, Wood’s Maori heritage comes through his mother’s side of the family. The livery is a celebration of his culture and the journey that shaped him both as a person and Supercars driver.
Ryan Wood will debut the special Indigenous Round livery at the Darwin Triple Crown on Friday June 19th for three action packed days of racing.
Petera Te Hiwirori Hatea - Artist
“Creating artwork and designs is always an amazing experience. Hearing people’s stories and backgrounds to inspire an artwork is truly humbling. When we first meet, we may start as strangers, but through the creative process we often end up feeling like family.
“Talking with Ryan and his team, and learning a small part of his background, made the design process feel very natural and meaningful. Although he doesn’t know his specific tribal affiliations through his Indigenous connections, I was able to reaffirm that simply being Maori is more than enough.
“It has been incredibly humbling to create this artwork for Ryan and the Walkinshaw TWG Racing Team. 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.”
Ryan Wood - Mobil 1 Truck Assist Racing No. 2 Driver
“This livery means a lot to me. Growing up in New Zealand, I’ve always been proud of my Maori heritage through Mum’s side of the family, and to be able to celebrate a culture that means a lot to me in this way is really special.
“I’ve always been proud to represent New Zealand whenever I race, but having the chance to carry a livery that reflects my heritage on the Mobil 1 Truck Assist Toyota GR Supra makes this weekend even more meaningful.
“I can’t thank Hiwirori enough for the work he’s put into this design. He’s created something that means so much to me and my family, and the whole process has helped me learn more about and connect more deeply with my Maori culture.
“When we first spoke about the idea of running a Maori Indigenous livery, Mobil 1, Truck Assist and all of our partners got behind it straight away. Their support has made this possible, and I’m grateful they’ve embraced this opportunity to help me tell my story.”
Bruce Stewart - CEO, Walkinshaw TWG Racing
“When Ryan first brought forward the idea of carrying a Maori Indigenous livery this year for Indigenous Round, it was something the entire Team and partner group, including Mobil 1 and Truck Assist, immediately embraced.
“Ryan has been closely involved throughout the entire process to ensure the design authentically reflects his identity, culture and story. I’m incredibly proud of the way he has embraced and shared this important part of who he is with not only us but the wider Supercars community.
“Hiwirori Hatea has done an incredible job bringing Ryan’s story to life through this artwork. The Mangopare, or Hammerhead Shark, represents strength, resilience and a fighting spirit which are all qualities that describe Ryan both as a person and as a race car driver so well.”
Brad Phillips - General Manager, Business to Business, Ampol
“Ampol is proud to support Walkinshaw TWG Racing in celebrating Indigenous Round and the opportunity it provides to recognise and honour culture across our region.
“The Mobil 1™ Truck Assist Racing No. 2 livery is a powerful representation of Ryan’s Maori heritage, with the Mangopare symbol capturing qualities of strength, resilience and determination that resonate both on and off the track.
“Through our lubricants marketing alliance with ExxonMobil, it’s fantastic to see the Mobil 1™ brand brought to life in a way that not only reflects performance and passion, but also respectfully celebrates identity, connection and storytelling.”
Jason Kibsgaard - Head of Marketing, NTI
“This year’s Indigenous Round livery is incredibly meaningful in the story it tells and the strong personal connection to Ryan. Moments like this give everyone involved the opportunity to better understand Ryan’s background and heritage, and to celebrate that in a unique way.
“It’s more than just a design. It’s a powerful representation, and we’re excited to see it come to life on track.
“Walkinshaw TWG Racing is a tight-knit team, and as a partner, NTI is proud to be part of the family and to support celebrating Ryan’s story on such a visible stage.”
About Petera Te Hiwirori Hatea
Petera Te Hiwirori Hatea is an established contemporary Maori visual Artist, Musician and Kapa Haka performer from Aotearoa, New Zealand.
He trained in the 1990’s at Toihoukura (School of Maori visual arts, Gisborne, NZ) under the guidance of Dr Sandy Adsett, Sir Derek Lardelli and Dr Steve Gibbs. In 2004 Hatea went on to graduate with a Maunga Kura Toi - Bachelor of Maori arts at Toimairangi, Te Wananga o Aotearoa (School of Maori visual arts, Hastings, NZ).
Hatea has performed nationally and internationally as part of the Waihirere Maori cultural group and a four-piece Polynesian band in Dubai. He’s exhibited both nationally and internationally and worked on various commissions which include for the Archbishop of Aotearoa NZ, Ministry of Justice NZ and Te Papa Tongarewa (NZ National Museum).
July 2012 Hatea became HOD of Art and Maori performing arts at Te Aute College in rural Hawkes Bay, NZ. In 2015 Hatea returned to Dubai continuing with his music and art. He currently resides in Tauranga Moana, Aotearoa working as a full-time artist.