To kick off their Bathurst 1000 campaign, Red Bull Racing Australia V8 Supercar drivers Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes have revealed a special edition livery at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit.

The Bathurst 1000 is, in more ways than one, the largest race on the V8 Supercars calendar meaning more so than ever, the team behind the drivers and their co-drivers is crucial in the pursuit of victory. To showcase its support, Red Bull Racing Australia has partnered with the Royal Australian Air Force to recognise the skills, spirit and commitment of their respective motorsports and aeronautical teams. The No.1and No.888 VF Commodores will both be sporting a special edition, Royal Australian Air Force livery around the Mount Panorama circuit for the iconic Bathurst 1000.

“The great thing about this partnership is showcasing the team behind our teams,” Lowndes said.

“What you see at a race track is probably a quarter of the whole team and it’s the same for the Royal Australian Air Force.

“We both have a similar mentality and understanding of how we operate in terms of pre-checks before an aircraft can take off, same as before we can put our race car on the track.”

Jamie Whincup is currently leading the 2014 V8 Supercars Championship on 2325 points with teammate Craig ‘King of the Mountain’ Lowndes hot on his heels in second place with 2052 points. Whincup will be chasing his fifth Bathurst win and will be partnered with co-driver Paul Dumbrell for the second year running.

“Bathurst is by far the biggest event of the year and it’s the hardest race to win and the easiest race to lose,” Whincup said.

“So much can happen over the 6.5 hours and 1000kms on one of the best circuits in the world, which we’re lucky to have in Australia.

“Hopefully they don’t see us coming with our new camo livery and we can quickly slip through the pack and get to the front!”

This year is the 20th anniversary of Lowndes’ Bathurst 1000 debut and should he have a podium finish, he will hold the record for most podium finishes in the history of the great race. Lowndes will partner, for the first time, Steve Richards who is making his 22nd Bathurst 1000 race start.

“Bathurst is our grand final for V8 Supercars, Lowndes said.

“Growing up you always wanted the opportunity to race around this circuit and having raced around here as many times as we have is a great honour.

“It’s a difficult race to predict but there is no doubt that Ford Performance Racing will be recharged after the Sandown 500, the Volvo Racing team will be fast in a straight line and the Holden Racing Team are coming off good form at Sandown but we know our cars will be strong as well.”