When the lights go out and the Shell V-Power Racing Team charges down the track, fans' eyes are drawn to the iconic red, white, and yellow livery of their Ford Mustangs. But have you ever wondered who is behind that aggressive look that makes the cars appear as fast as they race? The opening episode of the 'Behind the Scenes' documentary series with PPQ takes us inside the Dick Johnson Racing workshop to meet Scotty Ruddock, the master signwriter tasked with perfecting the appearance of these racing machines.
Ruddock is more than just a sticker applicator. His job is an art: he refines liveries, positions sponsor branding, and produces and applies graphics across the cars, pit signage, merchandise, and transporter. If you can see it, it has gone through Scotty's department. At every race event, he ensures the cars look immaculate and takes fans on tours of the Shell V-Power Racing Team garage.
The DJR Mustangs' livery has become a hallmark. While most teams in the pitlane drastically change their look at the start of a new season, DJR is known for making subtle, incremental changes that preserve the car's iconic appearance. The partnership with PPQ allows them to get creative throughout the season, with race-specific personalised plates becoming part of DJR's identity, from 'CH4MP' at Bathurst to the fan-chosen 'R4DL4D3' at the 2025 season finale, earning the team its 'Licence to Create'.
A personal touch was also evident when Todd Hazelwood stepped in for Brodie Kostecki, who was battling a virus ahead of the Darwin Triple Crown in June 2026. DJR paid a subtle tribute to Hazelwood through a livery detail that might go unnoticed, yet shows the team's attention to every moment.
But beauty is not the only priority. When the cars return to the workshop, they are completely stripped down. Damaged panels and graphics are replaced, while mechanics and engineers service and repair the Supercars. It takes more than 50 people and hundreds of hours to turn the cars around. Scotty has a simple philosophy: "These guys are here to make the cars go fast; I'm here to make the cars look fast."
This episode highlights the creativity, craftsmanship, and teamwork required to keep one of Supercars' most recognisable teams race-ready. PPQ is a paid partner of Speedcafe.com. Watch Episode 1 below.
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