A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SUPERCARS MECHANIC
The Supercars Championship is back in Sydney for its penultimate event at the Sydney Motorsport Park, following back-to-back SuperNight events.
The season came roaring back with five events taking place across six weekends. The team at Tickford Racing and Jack Le Brocq – our sponsored driver for the season – are all systems go as they prepare for this weekend’s races. This of course wouldn’t be possible without the tireless work of the Tickford Racing mechanic team.
Technicians are vital not only in Supercars, but in the automotive sector as a whole. With an estimated 19,000 trained technicians needed to support Australia’s trucking industry, it’s clear that engine expertise is in high demand.
To know more about what goes on in preparing a Supercar for the races, we spoke to Corey Walton, one of the leading mechanics for Tickford Racing.
What made you want to become a mechanic?
I’ve been around motorsport my whole life as I’m a racer myself, and that passion is what drove me into getting into Supercars.
What does a typical day at Tickford Racing look like?
A typical day at Tickford would include servicing/maintaining the racecar and preparing it for the next event. Most times we do pitstop practice at our fully dedicated pit stop rig and training in the gym.
What does a race day with Tickford Racing look like?
Generally on the race weekends we work alongside the driver and engineers to set-up the car up in preparation for the race, and whatever pit stops are included for that event.
What does a typical check up of the car look like?
Our typical checks include a visual inspection to make sure everything is in working order and doesn’t have any damage, including body work, suspension, brakes, the engine bay and inside the cockpit. We also make sure that the car is clean.
What’s the most important thing to do to keep the car in top condition?
Keeping the car thoroughly clean is super important as it paints the picture if something may be causing damage or adjusted incorrectly. Getting on top of this straight away is important to the longevity of that component and the race car as a whole.
What’s the most difficult part about keeping the car in top condition?
The most difficult part would be the time. We always have limited time between the races while at the event, so doing a thorough yet fast job is always a race against the clock.
What’s a life lesson you’ve learned about being a mechanic?
There are lots of things out of your control. The only thing you can control is how you react and overcome those issues.
What’s the most difficult part about being a mechanic?
Being a mechanic is very physical on the body. Always having to lean down and bend into hard places is common.
What’s the best part about being a mechanic?
Travelling is a great aspect. And of course getting to work alongside great people, which ultimately impacts the results on the track.
Think you have what it takes to be a mechanic yourself? Have a crack at our I-1 GP Technician’s Test and see how you fare! Be sure to also support the team at Tickford Racing and tune in to the races on 13 and 14 November, you can also follow Isuzu Australia on Instagram for highlights from the event throughout the weekend.
What does a typical check up of the car look like?
Our typical checks include a visual inspection to make sure everything is in working order and doesn’t have any damage, including body work, suspension, brakes, the engine bay and inside the cockpit. We also make sure that the car is clean.
What’s the most important thing to do to keep the car in top condition?
Keeping the car thoroughly clean is super important as it paints the picture if something may be causing damage or adjusted incorrectly. Getting on top of this straight away is important to the longevity of that component and the race car as a whole.
What’s the most difficult part about keeping the car in top condition?
The most difficult part would be the time. We always have limited time between the races while at the event, so doing a thorough yet fast job is always a race against the clock.
What’s a life lesson you’ve learned about being a mechanic?
There are lots of things out of your control. The only thing you can control is how you react and overcome those issues.
What’s the most difficult part about being a mechanic?
Being a mechanic is very physical on the body. Always having to lean down and bend into hard places is common.
What’s the best part about being a mechanic?
Travelling is a great aspect. And of course getting to work alongside great people, which ultimately impacts the results on the track.
Think you have what it takes to be a mechanic yourself? Have a crack at our I-1 GP Technician’s Test and see how you fare! Be sure to also support the team at Tickford Racing and tune in to the races on 13 and 14 November, you can also follow Isuzu Australia on Instagram for highlights from the event throughout the weekend.
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