V8 SuperCar Star Makes Surprise Call To Top Hamilton Apprentice

It was Greg Murphy on the line, inviting James to be part of Murphy’s SprintGas V8 SuperCar race team for the Hamilton 400 Street Race next weekend.

“It was a real shock,” said James.

“”I didn’t know what to say at first, but I recognized his voice and knew it was the real thing.
“I am really stoked to be asked to join his pit-crew.  I’m confident I can make a contribution to the team.”

James’ confidence comes from his achievements at the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) where he is one of the top automotive apprenticeship students.

For Greg Murphy and the Motor Trade Association (MTA), it is a matter of taking opportunities to recognize the accomplishments of the bright young people who are choosing automotive technology as a career, and succeeding at it.

Each year, in association with Hamilton 400 Street Race sponsor Wintec, MTA works with Murphy and SprintGas Racing to create an opening for a top young apprentice to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as a member of the close-knit team.

“It is also a chance for us to acknowledge the commitment of employers such as Jim Wright Nissan,” said MTA communications manager, Andy Cuming.

“MTA member companies such as Jim Wright Nissan have a passion for instilling in youngsters like James the core values of service excellence and the highest standards of technical capabilities.

“These are the characteristics that show themselves in the confidence these young technicians have in their ability to provide top-flight customer satisfaction to vehicle owners.”
Andy Cuming said that a growing number of bright school-leavers are being attracted to automotive technology careers.

“Automotive technology development is now at the leading-edge, and there will be plenty of new opportunities for young people like James in the future,” said Andy Cuming.

“The standards demanded will be high, but the ‘young face’ of the industry, and the enthusiasm of these apprentices, is the source of the great confidence we have in the future of our business in meeting the needs of New Zealand motorists.

“We are thrilled to give this enthusiasm a further boost.”

Andy Cuming acknowledged the significance of the role played by Wintec, and also that of the Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO).

“Motor trade apprentices are able to get the best possible start to their careers with such great developmental resources available to them,” he said.

Meanwhile, James is modest about his celebrity statues in the workshop.

“But I am sure I will do a good job for Murph, and my hometown supporters who I know are wishing me well for next weekend,” says James.