Rally of Whangarei too good a chance to miss

Rally of Whangarei too good a chance to miss for Glenn Horsford

NorthTec automotive graduate, Glenn Horsford, had such a good time last year that he couldn’t resist the opportunity to work with the Skoda MRN team again at this week’s International Rally of Whangarei.

Glenn, who achieved his Level 3 National Certificate in Motor Industry, said it was too good an opportunity to miss out on.

“I just learned so much last year and enjoyed it so much that I just had to email them and ask them if I could volunteer to work with them again,” the young Kawakawa-based mechanic said.

“It was good being involved with the crews; you get a firsthand experience of what it is like to be involved in such a big event and practice what you’ve learned on the automotive course.

“You pretty much do everything you’re asked to and it could be anything they need done or want like working on the engine. It’s full on, but it is a lot of fun too.”

Glenn will join 28 current Level 3 students who will also be working with the international teams that are based at NorthTec’s Future Trades Centre on Dyer Street.

“They will be paired up alongside the regular crew and they’ll be available for anything from working in the pits to helping out on the rally course wherever they are needed,” says NorthTec Automotive tutor, Lucas Connew, a former New Zealand Army diesel mechanic.

“It’s a taste of what it is likely being involved at that level and being in the thick of the action.”

This week’s first event for the 2013 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship and second round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC) brings teams from Finland, France, India, Japan, Australia and from around New Zealand to the Northland region.

With over 50 teams competing in the event the field is split in to two categories. The internationally registered teams and cars run first, followed by New Zealand crews competing in the NZRC, Top Half Rally Series or for simply for the opportunity to have fun.

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