Two of New Holland's best technicians will put down their diesel wrenches and put on Red Bull overalls to join the Ampol pit crew at the Sydney SuperNight and Bathurst 1000.
New Holland Agriculture ran a competition to find its Apprentice of the Year and Technician of the Year across its network of 94 Australian dealerships, with the pit crew experience part of the winners' spoils.
Apprentice of the Year went to 22-year-old apprentice agricultural diesel technician Patrick Hutchison from Cowra Machinery Centre, NSW.
Justin McVicar, 37, from Codemo Machinery Services, Griffith, NSW, was named Technician of the Year.
The pair will have behind the scenes access on race day, join the team on the tools in the pit lane, and meet the drivers, all while kitted out in team uniform.
New Holland is a sponsor of the Red Bull Ampol Racing Team for this year's Repco Supercars Championship season and will be supporting the team in 2022.
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Cowra Machinery Centre (AEH) branch manager Adrian Killick said Mr Hutchison was a respectful and diligent team member with a passion for customer service.
"Pat joined us at the start of his apprenticeship, and since then, has maintained a high level of academic achievement, while overcoming personal challenges, showcasing his exceptional work ethic and commitment to completing his apprenticeship," Mr Killick said.
"At 22, Pat is a peer among his team members and this award, as well as his recognition as Wagga Wagga TAFE's Apprentice of the Year 2021, is testament to his dedication, commitment to customer service, and willingness to learn."
Mr Hutchison said being nominated for the award and winning was something he had not dreamt of.
"My sense of achievement comes from making a difference in the lives of our customers," he said.
"Being able to turn a bad situation such as a farmer having his machine break down, to a better situation and getting him back up and running, makes me feel like I have made a difference. I feel like I've done something worthwhile.
"Although I have been the recipient of this award and the Apprentice of the Year at Wagga Wagga TAFE, it is not only me that has won. These awards are also attributed to the people around me because without them, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Codemo Machinery Services' finance and human resources manager Jeremy Arcifa praised Mr McVicar's ability to educate the next generation of technicians.
"Justin's hard work, devotion and passion to his trade comes across in leaps and bounds through the quality of his work," Mr Arcifa said.
"Since he began at Codemo Machinery Services, Justin has dedicated his time to not only supporting our customers but educating the younger technicians and apprentices with the knowledge and skills he's acquired over his career."
These awards are also attributed to the people around me because without them, I wouldn't be where I am today.
- Patrick Hutchison
Mr McVicar said he was overwhelmed to win the New Holland Technician of the Year award, as he had never thought to pursue recognition.
"I was quite excited to win, as I've never won awards in my field," he said.
"In my role, it's important to pass on my knowledge from the last 20 years to the next generation of technicians and apprentices.
"I've had the opportunity to work with leaders in the industry, and it is time for me to share the knowledge and skills I've accumulated over time to help the future technicians build a solid foundation for success in this field."
New Holland Australia and New Zealand general manager Bruce Healy said it was great to see experienced professionals sharing their expertise with the rising talent across the local dealer network.
"This competition helps us to recognise not only the talent in our dealerships, but the career opportunities New Holland dealerships provide in our industry," he said.
"Through the competition, we've heard from our dealerships across the country, and have recognised the technical expertise of the professionals in our industry, and with the support of our dealers, it is vital that we continue to pass on skills and product knowledge to the next generation of technicians and apprentices."
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