The value of the TAFE NSW Bathurst Motorsport Repair Team to Mount Panorama motor racing events has once again shone, with members putting in the long hours to help one particular team back on the road.
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Members of the repair team worked up until 11.30pm on Saturday night to ensure the #5 Kubota Racing Ford Mustang of Matthew MacKelden was back on track for race three of the National Trans Am Series event the next morning.
The car had suffered a race-ending incident in race one, and Mr MacKelden said if it weren't for the efforts of the Bathurst TAFE crew, the car would never have returned to the track.
"This car had an impact on Saturday at 150 km/hr to an immediate stop within one metre, and the front-left hand side was utterly destroyed," he said.
"As much as I have a great crew, the extra hands, expertise and parts supplied by the Bathurst TAFE crew were the make-or-break."
"If we didn't have them, we wouldn't have raced on Sunday."
Mr MacKelden said the efforts paid off, with the #5 car finishing 12th on the Sunday after failing to finish in race one.
"When you're sponsored by a major company like Kubota, there's an expectation to keep the car on track, and we cannot thank the Bathurst TAFE guys enough for pulling us out of a tight spot," he said.
The repair team is a vital gateway for TAFE NSW automotive students to gain first-hand experience working for professional motor racing teams.
Repair team member Nick Cox said it's been a worthwhile experience gaining an insight into how the pros operate.
"Mount Panorama is a great environment to learn about how the cars and teams operate," Mr Cox said.
"I'm not the biggest fan of body work, but I enjoy working on the suspension and engine, and these Trans Am cars are awesome to work on as they're designated race cars."
Repair team co-ordinator John Ewing said he's appreciative of the continued support for the initiative.
"I'm very proud of what the team has accomplished this weekend, and I'm thankful for the continued support from TAFE NSW, Bathurst Regional Council and ARG," Mr Ewing said.
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