L-R: Low Pai Khoon, Yim Shao Ze and Alvin Tan Yong Jun at the Renault Sport F1 pit
Team Malaysia was crowned Regional Champion in the recently concluded Castrol Asia Pacific Cars Super Mechanic 2018 competition. The final round, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, was the climax of months of fierce competition to discover and recognise some of the best mechanics in the region.
As part of their reward for winning the regional contest, Team Malaysia members Low Pai Khoon, Yim Shao Ze and Alvin Tan Yong Jun had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the pit crew of the Renault Sports Formula One Team at the Singapore Grand Prix weekend a couple of weeks ago.
The Castrol Asia Pacific Cars Super Mechanic Contest 2018 started off with the National Rounds in March 2018, from which only 15 of Castrol car mechanics were selected to proceed to the Grand Finals to compete in a series of theoretical and practical challenges. The top three National Champions then formed a team to represent the country; Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and India are the countries in this competition.
In this regional grand finals, the trio representing Malaysia, and the four other national teams went through four gruelling time-based tasks. After a Theory Quiz session, the teams had to demonstrate superior practical skills in car engine maintenance, including technical knowledge on how to change engine oil, replace engine parts, as well as diagnose and solve engine problems in the shortest time possible. To further heighten the complexity of the tasks, time penalties were imposed on teams for any mistakes made, such as oil spillage, throughout the challenges.
After a fierce battle, Team Malaysia emerged as the first team to successfully start and idle the car they were working on, thereby completing the final task of the Castrol Asia Pacific Cars Super Mechanic Contest 2018.
“The Castrol Asia Pacific Cars Super Mechanic contest 2018 is the most exciting one yet, with some of the best Castrol car experts in the region going all out to seize the top spot. Congratulations to our Regional Champions who have worked tirelessly throughout these months to better themselves and push their theory and practical expertise to the limit. Castrol is proud to be able to be a part of this journey with them. We hope this experience will in turn give them leverage in growing their business and providing enhanced service to their customers,” said Regional Marketing Director- BP/Castrol Asia & Pacific Shyam Balasubramanian.
Shyam added, “As the manufacturer of leading engine oil brands, Castrol EDGE and Castrol MAGNATEC, we strive to not just reward and recognise our mechanics, but also continuously support them in their efforts to improve their knowledge and technical expertise.
To this end, the Castrol Asia Pacific Cars Super Mechanic contest is an excellent platform where they can showcase their skills and gain valuable exposure on a regional level. Kudos to the Regional Champions for a job well done and thank you to all participants for your effort, determination and passion throughout this contest.”
Commenting on the team’s historic win, Low Pai Khoon said, “We are so happy to be able to represent the country and go on to win the regional Castrol Asia Pacific Cars Super Mechanic contest 2018! It was a gruelling few months and we are thankful for all the support we’ve received in the lead up to today. We are very excited to be joining the pit crew in the upcoming F1 Grand Prix in Singapore and look forward to learning all we can from the best mechanics in the world. We would like to thank Castrol for this opportunity and aim to do our best in September and beyond!”
Team Thailand and team India were runner-up and second runner-up respectively.
Keyword: Team Malaysia, Regional Champion Of Castrol Asia Pacific Cars Super Mechanic 2018, Joined Renault F1 Pit Crew In Singapore GP