ISUZU TRUCK TECHNICIANS SET SIGHTS ON GOLD

Jake Quick, from Ballarat Isuzu – as well as Drew Murden from Peel Valley Isuzu – have emerged victorious from the national heats and will travel to Fujisawa, Japan, in November to represent Australia’s top-selling truck brand. The trials for the event, known as the I-1 Grand Prix, saw nine entrants match wits over the course of an extensive theoretical exam and a series of practical tests at IAL head office in Melbourne on Wednesday, 9 August. The entrants were put through their paces in all aspects of their work, from vehicle inspection and systems management diagnostics, to repair tests and mechanical measuring. Jake and Drew emerged triumphant, and will head to Japan with team coach, IAL’s Queensland Service Technical Manager Brenton Cook, to give the best Isuzu technicians from across the globe a run for their money. IAL National Training Manager, David Smith, said the Australian national team’s silver medal performance at the 2016 I-1 Grand Prix was an obvious motivation for everyone at the trials. “Internationally, the I-1 Grand Prix is in its 12th year and the competition is only getting fiercer. But at our trials all the talk amongst the technicians was about wanting to see the IAL team go one better than last year,” Mr Smith said. “All the contestants were incredibly driven. Everyone at the trials acknowledged how thrilling it was for the IAL team to get back on the podium at the 2016 global I-1 Grand Prix, but it’s clear that the prospect of bringing home the gold this time around was motivating everyone. “While only Jake and Drew will be heading to Japan to represent IAL, putting these technicians through their paces revealed how passionate and professional they all are about their work. “Having such a talented group ultimately benefits the Australian truck customer, who can buy an Isuzu truck knowing there’s a world-class team of professionals ready to look after them when it’s time for a service.”