In celebration of emerging talent and outstanding work ethic, New Holland has rewarded two top technicians across Australia and New Zealand with an exclusive race experience at this year’s Bathurst 1000.
17-year-old diesel apprentice Justin Cheney from On-Trac Ag Orange, New South Wales went head-to-head with Flynn Greer from Christchurch, New Zealand in the first-ever cross-Tasman rivalry for the New Holland network.
Australian contender Justin couldn’t have been more thrilled when he found out he had been nominated for the rare opportunity to support the Red Bull Ampol pit crew at the 2023 Bathurst 1000.
“One day my boss was asking if I was keen to go to the Bathurst 1000, and the next I was being emailed by the Red Bull Ampol team inviting me to join them for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the race pit,” Justin said.
“I watch the races at Bathurst every year, so being amongst the team in the pits and meeting Broc Feeney and the rest of the team was a next-level experience.”
“I tried to be a bit competitive about cleaning up the Double 8 and making sure that it was polished better than the #97 Flynn was working on the #888.”
Flynn Greer, a New Holland technician based in Cochranes of Canterbury, Christchurch, was given a surprise of a lifetime when he found out he was being sent down under to join the Red Bull Ampol pit crew.
“My boss told me on the way home from work that I was headed to Australia in less than a week–I couldn’t really believe it until I got home and started packing,” said Flynn.
“It was phenomenal experience to watch New Zealand’s own Shane van Gisbergen win the top prize and run out on the track to celebrate with the team.”
“Justin and I were side by side throughout the whole experience, so even though there was a bit of competition, we found a good mate in each other,” said Flynn.
Working hard from early morning to late in the night for four consecutive days, the technicians couldn’t have been more impressed by action at the pit stop.
“Working on the tractors at On-Trac and then working on the race cars were two completely different worlds, it was nothing like anything I have experienced,” Justin said.
“The way the pit crew operated was insanely different in terms of the pressure and efficiency they worked under.”
“Their teamwork was quite impressive–they worked so smoothly together in clear-cut roles, even as they were changing brakes, switching tyres and servicing the car in a blink of an eye.”
General Manager of New Holland Australia & New Zealand, Bruce Healy said New Holland has a strong commitment to supporting emerging talent and hard work right across the network and is pleased to offer these life-changing opportunities through the ongoing partnership with the Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.
“It is a pleasure to reward the hard work of our apprentices and technicians, and the strength of our dealership and service capabilities by offering these incredible experiences to our people,” Mr Healy said.
“The tenacity, empowerment, and inspiration they receive from these experiences are priceless.”