Supercars: Walkinshaw Andretti team unveils Ford Mustangs

Walkinshaw Andretti United has revealed its first ever Ford Supercar, with the team joining the Blue Oval from 2023.

WAU’s sensational switch to Ford, which was confirmed last year, has been cemented by Monday’s livery reveal.

The team raced Commodores between 1990 and 2022, and was the factory Holden team for nearly 30 years.

The first WAU Mustang revealed was the #2 NTI Racing entry of Nick Percat, who has only raced Commodores in Supercars, and the #25 of Chaz Mostert.

Percat will again carry NTI branding, with WAU also celebrating 30 years in partnership with co-naming rights partner Mobil 1.

Mostert will race the #25 Optus Racing Mustang in his first season with the Blue Oval since 2019.

Nick Percat

The 2011 Bathurst winner’s car features the white and silver of NTI, complete on a white scheme. GT stripes also run down the center of the car.

The new look was brought to life through PPG, Signzone and Spicers.

The car is also backed by Morris, VALO, Goodyear Autocare, Isuzu Trucks, Supercheap Auto, Corestaff, Kangan Institute, TES Mechanical Electrical, PPG, Palm Trans, Move My Wheels, UMS, East Coast Lubes, Thetford, Lloyds Auctions, Spicers, Signzone, Anthem Workwear, Raceline Motorsport Racewear, OMP, Albek, Authentic Collectables, Woodstock Bourbon, Oakley, Acronis, Think Technology, Stratasys, TPF Sports, Hastings Deering Australia, Lancaster Ford, and The Cover Shop.

“The Mobil 1 NTI Racing Mustang looks incredible; the white base is really clean and the car itself looks so tough,” Percat said.

“The team have put in some crazy hours and made a lot of sacrifices to get it to this point, so I can’t thank them enough, we’ve seen Gen3 take shape pretty rapidly at the workshop to be able to get behind the wheel now is exciting.

“A huge thank you to all our partners, existing and new, that have made this possible, the continuity is incredible, and I’m really proud to represent them all in the new era.

“To be a part of Mobil 1’s 30th year with the team is unbelievable, and the support from NTI I’ve had has been amazing.

“Really looking forward to getting our heads around these new cars as quickly as possible and seeing what we can do.”

Percat will test his new car at Winton Motor Raceway next week.

WAU Team Principal Bruce Stewart added: “We’ve all been working towards these cars for so long now that to see it in the flesh, looking so good, is a bit surreal to be honest.

“Our Team has been incredible with their dedication and commitment in getting here.

“We wouldn’t be in this position without the support of all our partners. 2023 is Mobil 1’s 30th year with our team which is just incredible, NTI have been a huge supporter of our team.

“But everywhere you look on these cars there are fantastic partners like Morris in their 13th with us now, who are intrinsically linked in the business and VALO who joined us mid last year and have done wonderful things for our sport.

“The fact we’ve had nearly every single partner recommit to us is the loyalty we love, and everyone in this business appreciated their support, as well as the new partners who have come on board who we are excited to work with.

“It’s getting very real now, I can’t wait to see the Mobil 1 NTI Racing Ford Mustang GT on track, and to get the season underway.”

Jason Kibsgaard, NTI Head of Marketing, said: “NTI is excited to be back for another season of Supercars, especially as we embark on a new era with Gen3, and the team’s first ever Ford Mustang GT.

“The hard work and dedication shown by Walkinshaw Andretti United to get the cars prepped ahead of launch, and in peak shape for the first round, is just one of the many reasons we’re proud to back the team.

“The new livery looks spectacular. It lends itself perfectly to the NTI brand and pays homage to the history of Ford. We can’t wait to see Nick in action in what can only be described as one of the most anticipated seasons of Supercars we’ve ever seen.”

Ampol General Manager Business to Business, Brad Phillips, added: “We are excited for the 2023 Supercars racing season.

“The change to Mobil 1 NTI Racing Ford Mustang GT comes with a fresh energy and we hope it marks the beginning of a new era for the team.

“We are thrilled to support them on this new journey and to celebrate 30 years of partnership between Mobil 1 and WAU.”

WAU’s Ford journey will commence at the Thrifty Newcastle 500 on March 10-12.

Chaz Mostert

Chaz Mostert’s first Ford Supercar in four years has been uncovered, with Walkinshaw Andretti United completing its suite of 2023 liveries.

Mostert will race the #25 Optus Racing Mustang in his first season with the Blue Oval since 2019.

The 30-year-old raced Fords from his debut in 2013 through to his departure from Tickford Racing at the end of 2019.

The two-time Bathurst winner is again joined by teammate Nick Percat, whose NTI Ford was unveiled earlier on Monday.

The #25 continues with co-naming rights from Optus and Mobil 1, which celebrates 30 years with WAU.

Mobil 1 branding remains a prominent feature on the bonnet, with the teal Optus logo carried on the sides of the Mustang.

The #25 livery — like Percat’s #2 — was brought to life by PPG, Signzone and Spicers, and also features the famous GT stripes.

The car is also backed by Morris, VALO, Goodyear Autocare, Isuzu Trucks, Supercheap Auto, Corestaff, Kangan Institute, TES Mechanical Electrical, PPG, Palm Trans, Move My Wheels, UMS, East Coast Lubes, Thetford, Lloyds Auctions, Spicers, Signzone, Anthem Workwear, Raceline Motorsport Racewear, OMP, Albek, Authentic Collectables, Woodstock Bourbon, Oakley, Acronis, Think Technology, Stratasys, TPF Sports, Hastings Deering Australia, Lancaster Ford and The Cover Shop.

Mostert and Percat will test the #25 Ford for the first time at Winton Motor Raceway on Wednesday February 15.

“The Mobil 1 Optus Racing No. 25 looks so good, I’m a big fan of clean liveries, so I think it looks awesome and the GT stripes top it off,” Mostert said.

“It’s amazing to be returning to the blue oval, that first lap will feel like a bit of a homecoming I think, so I’m really looking forward to ramping up to Newcastle.

“Two things have made this possible though, our amazing team who have worked non-stop lately, right through the ‘off-season’ to make sure we have a car to race, and the support of our partners, who have all been incredible.

“To be representing Mobil 1 in their 30th year with the team in 2023 is an honor, and to keep saying Yes with Optus into the future is amazing. I just can’t wait to drive it now.”

WAU Team Principal Bruce Stewart added: “It’s a huge day for our Team as we pull the covers off both our Ford Mustang GTs, and the Mobil 1 Optus Racing No. 25 looks amazing.

“An immense amount of work has gone into these cars from all our team, which we are thankful of, so their hard work has gotten us here today.

“As I’ve said previously today, the support of our partners has ensured we are here as well, they have been incredible.

“We are honored to enter our 30th year with Mobil 1 this year, as we celebrate that milestone throughout the season, but to also represent Optus proudly, an incredible relationship and partnership we are lucky to have.

“It doesn’t stop there though, we’re so lucky to have such an amazing partnership group recommit to us, from Morris who continue on with us for the 13th year, right through to our new partners such as Hastings Deering Australia.

“Every single one has contributed to these cars today.

“The hard work doesn’t stop here, we’ve got a big few weeks ahead of us, but we’re up for the challenge.”

WAU’s Ford journey will commence at the Thrifty Newcastle 500 on March 10-12.