Holden Racing Team salutes ANZAC

For the second year running, the Holden Racing Team will pay its respects to the ANZAC tradition by fielding its two VF Commodore racecars with special, one-off livery at the ITM 500 Auckland round of the V8 Supercar series at the Pukekohe Park Raceway in New Zealand on Sunday April 27.

The two cars, which will be driven by Garth Tander and James Courtney, will feature newly-designed graphics with the traditional HRT symbol replaced by the RSL’s ANZAC appeal’s rising sun logo, on both roof and doors.

The front quarter panels will feature a silhouette of ANZAC diggers, along with the words “lest we forget.”

The ANZAC appeal logo will also feature on both drivers’ race suits. The suits will be put up for auction after the event, with the proceeds going to the RSL and its New Zealand counterpart, the RSA.

Both Tander and Courtney are proud to be playing a part in the HRT ANZAC tribute.

“We raced with the ANZAC Appeal livery for the first time at Pukekohe last year – and the reaction from the fans was amazing,” Garth Tander said.

“It’s really special when both Australians and New Zealanders can identify not only with the Holden Racing Team, but also the ANZAC spirit that ties our two great nations together.”

James Courtney said: “To be part of what is probably Australia's most important national occasion is really special. To commemorate those who fought during the First World War – and beyond – while we race in New Zealand is great.”

RSL appeals manager Peter Smith praised the HRT for its support of the ANZAC appeal.

“I welcome the support of Holden and its racing team, and the initiative shown by the team to remember the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, past and present,” he said.

HRT’s one-off livery for the ITM 500 Auckland will tie into ‘The Minute of Silence’ campaign that is part of the RSL’s annual ANZAC Appeal.

The ANZAC Appeal, which will run from April 13-25, invites the public to purchase a pre-recorded minute of silence by phoning 1902 25 04 14, or by texting SILENCE and home state to 1999 1234.

More than 80 serving and former Australian Defence Force members and their families recorded the minute of silence, which is introduced by WWII Prisoner of War Jack Bell.