Well, I’ve finally made it to the first race of the V8 Supercars Championship for 2012 – the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide. Bring on the roar of the engines and light up the grid as I kick-start my career as the Tradingpost Racing Recruit!

After months of interviews, tests and competition against some of the country’s most talented mechanic apprentices, I’ve finally made it to the track. I will take my place alongside Will Davison and the Tradingpost Racing team as one of the mechanics in the Ford Performance Racing garage.

It’s still a head spin at how much my life has changed in only a few short months. Last year, I was preparing myself to continue working at HSM Auto Repairs and Spares in Shepparton. I really enjoyed the work, had a great boss and lived with a bunch of family and friends around me, but winning the Tradingpost Racing Recruit competition changed all that. I’ve got to admit, while it’s a massive change, I’m loving every minute of it!

I now live in Melbourne and am realising my dream – working at the Tradingpost Racing team’s headquarters and completing my final year mechanic apprenticeship as part of a world-class V8 Supercars outfit! My new workshop and workmates have been really supportive in showing me the ropes over the past few weeks and I have the opportunity of setting myself up as part of those lucky enough to work at the peak of Australian motorsport.

But first things first – the team has a race to win, the first of this year, and we’re all pumped. Will set the fastest track time ever recorded in a touring car a few weeks ago at Sandown during a practice session. I know I’ll be doing everything I can to help him deliver a podium finish this weekend. Bring it on!