Franklin County News

‘Not a grease-covered-spanner-swinger’

- RUWADE BRYANT

When people ask for you specifical­ly to diagnose an issue with their Subaru, you know you have deserved to qualify for the Subaru World Technical Competitio­n.

Ryan Grave, who has been working for Winger Subaru in Pukekohe for 12 years, recently qualified for the world event following his strong results at the Oceania Technical Competitio­n, which was held in Australia in March, where he placed first.

Grave said he was happy with his results, and said it proved he wasn’t just an ordinary mechanic.

‘‘I guess it’s just confirming that I’m not a grease-coveredspa­nner-swinger and I actually know what I am doing.’’

Competing against nine other technician­s from around Australia, Grave knew he was in for some stiff competitio­n if he wanted to compete in the SWTC, which will be held in Japan in November this year.

‘‘There are some really, really switched on guys out there in the network,’’ said Grave.

‘‘For me to know that I am going up against the best in the world is a bit daunting.’’

The Oceania competitio­n involved several components including a written exam, a practical session based on car diagnostic­s and testing, both on and off the car, over a two-day period.

As for the world competitio­n, contenders will not know the faults they need to find on the vehicle.

However, contestant­s will be

‘‘I’ve got study to do over the next few months to make sure I am prepared for Japan.’’

 ??  ?? Ryan Grave will go on to compete in the Subaru World Technical Challenge following his feat at the Oceania Technical Challenge.
Ryan Grave will go on to compete in the Subaru World Technical Challenge following his feat at the Oceania Technical Challenge.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from New Zealand