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West Australian
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
New Holland rewards dedicated Narrogin apprentice, Darcy Bryant-Smith, with Perth Super 440 experience
A Narrogin apprentice's dreams came true at Perth Super 440 at the weekend after his dedication to the industry was rewarded by New Holland, Red Bull Ampol Racing's team sponsor. Darcy Bryant-Smith's spent the weekend trackside with the Red Bull Ampol Racing pit crew as a passenger to the podium-team, an experience he described as 'memorable'. The apprentice service technician said he never expected to be afforded the 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience. 'By far the highlight form this weekend has been getting in the car and seeing what the drivers can do from the passenger seat,' he said. 'I spent the experience mostly supporting the tyre team to keep the pitstop stops short. I also did a bit with the specialised cooling fan mechanics to ensure that the engines didn't overheat and that they were performing. 'Both of the drivers podiumed over the weekend, so it was a memorable experience being a part of their overall win.' Mr Bryant-Smith spent many weekends with his family watching Bathurst 1000 which helped foster his dream to work with engines, identifying faults and getting the vehicles back on the road. Following his love for cars, he completed a Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology while attending a local agriculture college before moving to a heavy diesel agricultural apprenticeship at the McIntosh Training Academy. Today Mr Bryant-Smith works on big diesel engines, hydraulics, and powertrains on agricultural machinery from combine harvesters, tractors, balers, and telehandlers to general farm equipment at McIntosh & Son Narrogin. 'Although I knew this kind of field existed, I didn't think I would be working on agricultural machinery every day and helping farmers remain operational,' he said. McIntosh & Son Narrogin service manager Byron Blevin said Darcy had already proven himself to be an invaluable asset to the team, despite only being a second-year heavy diesel agricultural apprentice. 'Darcy's wealth of knowledge is truly remarkable for someone of his age and experience,' he said. 'It's not uncommon for more qualified team members to seek Darcy's input and advice as his knowledge and problem-solving skills often surpass those of many with far more years of experience.' Mr Blevin said one of Mr Bryant-Smith's most impressive recent achievements was his successful completion of a complicated differential rebuild, which he executed in an 'exceptionally efficient time frame'. 'This task required a high level of skill, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of complex mechanical systems — qualities that Darcy displayed in abundance,' he said. 'His ability to complete such intricate work with speed and precision speaks volumes about his capabilities and work ethic.' New Holland has awarded five other apprentice service technicians across Australia and New Zealand this year. The reward program serves as part of their continued efforts to attract young talent into the agriculture industry. CNH national parts and service manager Gary Pertot said the industry's biggest issue is trying to attract quality technicians and apprentices. 'Our program is about challenging perceptions that agriculture is a low-tech or uninteresting career,' he said. 'Modern agriculture is about complex technologies — CVT transmissions, precision farming tools, and advanced engineering. 'We are showing school leavers, young people or those looking to reskill that a career in agriculture is a chance to be at the forefront of technological innovation that feeds the nation.'
News.com.au
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Broc Feeney turns the table on rivals to win the Perth Super 440 to extend his championship lead
Australia's Broc Feeney turned the tables on his young New Zealand title rival Matt Payne to win Sunday's feature race at the Perth Super 440 and extend his lead in the 2025 Supercars championship. Four weeks after Payne held off Feeney in a drag finish to the chequered flag to win at Symmons Plains in Tasmania, the pair traded places after an incredible finish to the 200km main race at Wanneroo Raceway. This time, the 22-year-old Feeney got his Chevrolet Camaro across the line first by half a second to remain on track to become the second youngest driver to win the Supercars title. There's still a long way to go, of course, and with a new format in place this season, no-one is taking anything for granted but so far, Feeney has established himself as the one to beat. 'I just executed the start and just sort of managed the race in those first two stints,' Feeney told Fox Sports. 'It was probably going to be pretty smooth sailing home (but) with the pit stops and the safety car and Matt was super quick at the end there. 'I was a bit worried in the sprint shoot out at the end. He got one off on me last one so it's good to get one back on him this time.' Following on from his victory in Saturday's second 120km sprint, Feeney has already won five races this season to stretch his lead in the championship standings to 72 points over his Red Bull Ampol Racing teammate Will Brown. Payne, a 22-year-old rising Kiwi star, is currently in third spot, 123 behind Feeney. Starting from pole position, Feeney made a brilliant launch when the lights went out to take immediate control of the 16th race of the season. The only times he relinquished the lead in the 83-lap event was when he made his two mandatory pit stops but the introduction of a safety car, when Cooper Murray came to a halt because of a mechanical problem, set the stage for a nail biting 14-lap sprint to the end. The lead that Feeney had built up was instantly wiped away as the field came together for the hectic dash to the finish, but he held his nerve to seal the win and celebrate in style. 'I didn't have much left in the end. My rears were pretty cooked,' Feeney said. 'I finally did a good burnout, so hopefully it was all right for the crowd. I was practising with the (NRL) Bulldogs earlier this week, doing burnouts on grass, so it was good to finally let one rip.' Payne got a lucky break when the race was yellow flagged because it enabled him to make a cheap pit stop and jump to second spot. 'I'd never given up, absolutely not. When I saw the car that was stopped down at turn six, I thought, oh my God, we've actually got a real chance. And then I came out and I was behind Broc and I thought no way we're in second,' Payne said. 'I had already accepted 11th or 12th place was going to be where we were going to finish so it's tricky, very tricky but very, very lucky. 'I just wanted to keep pounding Broc there at the end. I was trying everything I could. but we just didn't quite have the car underneath us. 'We stayed close, but we fought right to the end, but I'm just really happy to be standing on the podium.' A tearful James Courtney also benefited from the safety car to finish third and secure his first podium in two years. 'I'm not going to lie, I did cry on the in-lap,' Courtney said. 'It's been a tough 18 months for these guys putting in so much work and to be able to finally repay them with the results has been amazing.'
