TAFE apprentices score Calder blast

Five young people studying automotive trades at Melbourne's Box Hill Institute have landed 'shotgun' rides around Calder in the SP Tools Mercedes-Benz E 63 campaigned by Erebus Motor Sport in this year's season of V8 Supercars. 

Judged for their respective academic achievements, mechanical aptitude and enthusiasm in 2012, the five students each sat alongside Steve Johnson and Maro Engel in the #9 Mercedes for two laps of Calder, earlier this week. 

"I can't wipe the smile from my face, it was just amazing," said Fiona Lawrie, one of the students. "I didn't look at the speedo to see how fast he was going because I couldn't stop looking out the window. It was just an amazing opportunity and really opened my eyes up to the possibilities of where my apprenticeship could take me."

SP tools, sponsor of the car and its race team, has also provided support for Box Hill Institute's automotive training facility, as automotive teacher Brad Wright explained. 

"Last year when Box Hill Institute refurbished our automotive training facility we spoke to a number of automotive tool suppliers in relation to refitting the workshop's tooling requirements," he said.

"We wanted to choose a company that would support our training long term with the primary goal of the best outcome for our students. SP Tools offered us fantastic value plus a student card where all apprentices can buy SP tools at discounted prices. 

"We also asked for the support for our Automotive Apprentice of the Year winners and SP tools kindly donated prizes, which included laps in the SP sponsored Mercedes Benz V8 supercar."

Fiona's fellow students present on the day were Brock Russell, Harrison Robb, Thomas Bath and Tristan Draper. 

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...

Don't forget to register to comment on this article.