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.

IMAGES: Mason Wild on the podium in third place; Mason pictured displaying his achievements; both brothers pictured with their parents; an action shot of younger brother Reed Wild on race day.

A huge congratulations to Mason and Reed Wild from Parkes for their stellar perfor­mances at the 2025 Australian Junior Track Championships, held over the weekend at Fairbairn Park in Canberra and hosted by the ACT Motorcycle Club.

Mason Wild claimed an impressive third place in the hotly contested 85cc 4-stroke Modified (7–Under 12) class, showcasing his speed and skill on the national stage.

This is Mason’s second podium finish on the big stage in 2 months – finishing with another third place over the Easter week­end at Kurri Kurri for the 2025 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship.

Meanwhile, younger brother Reed Wild powered through the competition in ACT, to take a strong fourth place in the 65cc class, proving that talent runs deep in the family.

With over 100 junior riders from across the country, both events were a showcase of Australia’s best up-and-coming motor­cycle racers. The Wild brothers stood out with determination, consistency, and grit—two names to watch in the future of Aussie motorsport!

Local young guns Mason and Reed Wild are gearing up to compete on their home soil for the Australian Junior Track Cham­pionships at Forbes Auto Sports Club later this month.

Mason is coming into the Australian title meeting as a hot favourite in the 65cc di­vision. Having done plenty of laps around Forbes Auto Sports Club over the years he’s ready for the challenge and is looking to add another title to his collection.

Reed has had a difficult preparation with bike issues but after several hours and dedication from the team, he is ready to face the challenge that an Australian Title poses in both the Division 250cc and 65cc class alongside his brother.

Don’t miss out on the action, head along to support the boys on 10th and 11th Au­gust at Forbes Auto Sports Club, 205 Hoopers Rd.

The Australian superstar of Off Road Racing Danielle McDonald just keeps racking up the wins.

Our very own Aussie Champion Danielle McDonald and team mate Jess Gardner recently travelled to South Australia to ride in the first Grand National Cross Country, a new series to Australia. 

At the event Danielle won the junior girls division and Jess Gardner won the women’s division, making them a formidable team. In addition to winning the junior girls division, Danielle surpassed a strong field in the junior boys division, placing fourth overall. 

Both Danielle and Jess have stayed in South Australia to race again this weekend on 26th August for the Australian Off Road Championship. Danielle’s parents will travel the 1,000km to SA with Danielle’s brother Dylan who will also compete.

Upon her return from South Australia, Danielle will have a break for the weekend before heading off again to Edenhope in Victoria for another Australian Offroad Championship.

If you want to help support Danielle get to the ISDE Championships in Argentina donate here https://gofund.me/1d032299 

While Danielle was racing in SA the rest of the family were supporting Danielle’s brother, Dylan McDonald who was racing at a local club meet in Condobolin.