Zac Payseno (centre) in action with the Red Bull Racing Team.
Described as a typical “out-west country lad”, third-year agricultural machinery apprentice, Zac Payseno, took his skills to the fast lane when he joined the Red Bull Ampol Racing team at the Repco Bathurst 1000 last weekend (9-12 October).Zac’s dedication through his apprenticeship at McPhersons Parts and Service in Parkes earned him top honours and the opportunity to experience motorsport action up close at one of Australia’s most iconic events.
Zac joined the pit lane crew on the tools as part of New Holland’s apprenticeship program that recognises the exceptional contributions and work ethic of its service apprentices.
Zac said it was a big personal achievement to be recognised as part of New Holland’s apprentice program.
“I felt pretty honoured to be named, and joining the Red Bull pit crew for the weekend was a massive eye opener,” he said.
“Their attention to detail and professionalism was mind blowing, I can see why they are one of the top teams, everything is done 100 percent effort at 100 percent speed.”
Zac said he had always been interested in becoming a mechanic and started by doing after-school work. “I found out that I really liked it, and just thought that’s what I wanted to do as a career.
“I really enjoy working on combines. I’m doing header repairs at the moment, which means doing header checks at the start of the year, identifying what needs replacing, and carrying out preseason repairs to get the machines ready for harvest.
“Getting ready for harvest is like getting ready for race day, but on a much bigger scale.”
Zac is one of six apprentice service technicians that experienced race day action at Supercars races across Australia and New Zealand this year thanks to New Holland’s sponsorship of the Red Bull Ampol Racing team.