The latest Supercars apprentice experience awarded
Representing New Holland's budding technical talent and flying the McIntosh & Son flag while trackside with Red Bull Ampol Racing Racing, Darcy contributed to GOLD for the Red Bull Team.
Like any high schooler raised watching the Bathurst 1000, Darcy Byant-Smith’s dream job was to work with engines, identifying faults and getting the vehicles back on the road.
What he didn’t expect was to one day be trackside with Red Bull Ampol’s pit crew at the Perth Supercar 440.
That’s just what’s in store for the second-year heavy diesel agricultural apprentice with McIntosh & Son Narrogin, as part of New Holland’s apprenticeship program that recognises the exceptional contributions and work ethic of its service apprentices.
Darcy is one of six exceptional apprentice service technicians who will get to experience 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.
Following his love for cars Darcy completed a Certificate II in Automotive while attending a local Agriculture College before moving to a heavy diesel agricultural apprenticeship.
Today he works on large diesel engines, hydraulics, and powertrains on agricultural machinery from combine harvesters, tractors, balers and telehandlers to general farm equipment.
“Day to day in the workshop it gets pretty busy and some of the projects are pretty intense,” he said.
“Although I knew this kind of field existed, I didn’t think I would be working on agricultural machinery every day and helping farmers remain operational.”
The Bathurst 1000 was always on the television growing up. When Darcy found out he’d be experiencing the same high-octane thrills and spills trackside with Red Bull Ampol’s pit crew at the Perth Supercar 440, he was pretty stoked.
“I’d watch Bathurst with mum and dad. Keeping the cars on the track always seemed impressive, and now I have the chance to experience it for myself,” Darcy said.
McIntosh & Son Narrogin Service Manager, Byron Blevin, said despite being only a second-year apprentice, Darcy had already proven himself to be an invaluable asset to the team.
“Darcy’s wealth of knowledge is truly remarkable for someone of his age and experience,” he said.
“It’s not uncommon for more qualified team members to seek Darcy’s input and advice, as his knowledge and problem-solving skills often surpass those of many with far more years of experience.
“One of Darcy’s most impressive recent achievements was his successful completion of a complicated differential rebuild, which he executed in an exceptionally efficient time frame.
“This task required a high level of skill, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of complex mechanical systems—qualities that Darcy displayed in abundance.
“His ability to complete such intricate work with speed and precision speaks volumes about his capabilities and work ethic.
“Whether he’s taking the bin out and sweeping, or providing technical guidance and completing mechanical related jobs, his willingness to take on new responsibilities and ability to perform under pressure sets him apart from his peers,” he said.
National Parts and Service Manager, Gary Pertot, said that by connecting apprentices with the high-tech world of Supercars shows agricultural technology can be just as challenging and sophisticated as motorsport.
“Just as Supercars teams rely on precision engineering, advanced data analytics, and complex technological systems, today's agricultural professionals work with equally state-of-the-art machinery and technologies.
“The Supercars experience provides a tangible, exciting touchpoint for young people to understand that agricultural careers are about innovation, technology, and high-performance engineering,” Gary said.
For any machinery enquiries, please contact your local McIntosh & Son dealership here.