Telstra searches nation for V8 apprentice

Telstra and Ford Performance Racing (FPR) are encouraging third year apprentice mechanics with a passion for motorsport to apply for the dream job of completing their final apprenticeship year working under the bonnet of a V8 Supercar in the 2013 Championship Series.

A national search opened today for the Telstra Racing Recruit, which will give one lucky apprentice the chance to experience the ultimate on-the-job training from the most highly skilled mechanics at Ford Performance Racing’s team headquarters in Melbourne.

The opportunity to work with V8 drivers Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom and Will Davison, both of whom are strong contenders to win the 2012 V8 Supercars Championship, would be a dream come true for any young apprentice.

“I can’t think of a better way for an aspiring young mechanic keen to experience the thrill and exhilaration of working on a V8 Supercars team to kick start their career,” said Winterbottom.

One inspiring young 21-year-old currently experiencing first-hand the adrenaline rush of working on a V8 team is Shepparton’s Josh Williams. Josh was the inaugural winner of the Racing Recruit in 2011 and in less than 12 months, has become a vital member of the Ford Performance Racing garage.

“I can’t begin to describe the feeling working with the FPR team this year,” Josh said. ”We won the first race of the season, we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bathurst, and we’re a strong chance to win this year’s overall series – it’s been nothing short of surreal!”

Telstra’s General Manager – Media, Sponsorships and Awards, Toby Dewar, said it had been fantastic to see the impact the Racing Recruit has had on the industry and the opportunity it has given talented young apprentice mechanics.

“We were impressed by the depth of talent we uncovered in Australia last year and we’re thrilled to once again offer an apprentice mechanic their big break in the competitive motor sport industry” said Mr Dewar.

Third year apprentice mechanics are encouraged to enter the Telstra Racing Recruit via the Racing Recruit webpage at telstra.com/racingrecruit.  Entries close Sunday 14 October.

As part of the ultimate selection process, a panel interview conducted by Ford Performance Racing and onsite testing will be carried out to decide the Telstra Racing Recruit, with the winner announced in the lead up to the final V8 Supercars race of this year’s Championship, the Sydney Telstra 500.