Josh Williams from Shepparton and Glen Fisher from Weethalle are on the verge of securing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity most mechanics would only dream of, by completing their final year apprenticeship working alongside Tradingpost-backed Ford Performance Racing driver Will Davison during the 2012 V8 Supercars Championship.
The two young apprentice mechanics have been competing against three other finalists all week at FPR headquarters in Melbourne, undergoing a series of rigorous mechanical tests, interviews and challenges in his quest to become the Tradingpost Racing Recruit.
After successfully making it through, Williams and Fisher head to Phillip Island this weekend for the ninth round of the Championship, where they will be given the chance to demonstrate their skills trackside, both vying for the one position next year to learn from the best in the business, on and off the track.
“I’d already purchased tickets for Phillip Island and was always going to attend this weekend. The only difference now is that I won’t be sitting down in the stands, but rather helping to get Will and the Tradingpost Racing team across the finish line!” said Williams.
“I was getting used to thinking that I’d make my trade out in the country fixing various machinery. But now that thinking has changed in a big way and I can’t wait to get on track and prove that I’ve got what it takes to be the Tradingpost Racing Recruit in 2012!” Fisher added.
Davison and FPR sit within reach of finishing in the top three in the 2011 Championship. To continue his march to the Championship podium, Davison and every member of the team, including Williams and Fisher, will be required to be at the top of their game.
“I met the Tradingpost Racing Recruits during the week and I’ve been very impressed with their enthusiasm and absolute desire to become a member of our team, ” said Davison.
“I think it will be a close contest this weekend both on and off the track – for me, trying to push further up the leaderboard and for Josh and Glen, battling for the position of the Tradingpost Racing Recruit.”
FPR Team Principal, Tim Edwards, expects both recruits will leave nothing in the tank in their quest to work as part of the team next year.
“Josh and Glen have shown great potential in all areas we’ve tested so far in the recruitment process and the pressure on track at Phillip Island will provide the ultimate test to see who can prevail,” said Mr Edwards.
The search to give an apprentice mechanic the opportunity to join FPR has been a first in V8 Supercars history and Head of Telstra Advertising Network, Michael Padden, was looking forward to the weekend of competition at Phillip Island.
“The contest is down to the wire, with both recruits proving that they have the capability required to work at the peak of Australian motor sport with Tradingpost Racing,” said Mr Padden.
“I’m sure they will have an exciting and challenging weekend at Phillip Island and everyone at Tradingpost wishes both recruits all the best, with the winner to be announced soon!
The 2012 Tradingpost Racing Recruit will be announced before the end of this year’s Championship.