Bridgestone Crowns Tyre Tech Champs

The age-old rivalry between Australia and New Zealand continued in October with Bridgestone’s best going head-to-head at the inaugural BSANZ Tyre Technician Championship.

After making it through the preliminary rounds, six tyre technicians from Bridgestone stores across Australia and New Zealand gathered in Sydney to compete in the Trans-Tasman final.

Director Corporate Services and Risk Management Joanne Denley said the competition had proven to be a successful team-building exercise that encouraged friendly rivalry between the two countries.

“Bridgestone tyre technicians across Australia and New Zealand are passionate about performing their tasks in accordance with Safe Working Procedures and ensuring quality service to our customers. We wanted to give them the opportunity to not only challenge themselves but to show everyone just how talented they are.”

The Commercial title went to Australia with Paul Parry and Luke Meulenbrock from Bridgestone Service Centre Derrimut, Victoria who were able to fit a set of truck steer tyres in an adjusted time of 19 minutes 50 seconds. 

Ricci Donnelly and Jodea Sutton from Bridgestone Select Old Taupo Road, New Zealand came in a close second with an adjusted time of 20 minutes 37 seconds.

The Retail side of the competition was even tighter with Jason Weller and Scott Wright from Bridgestone Select Rotorua, New Zealand fitting a set of four passenger tyres in an adjusted time of 20 minutes 29 seconds. 

Their rivals, Matt Miranda and Chris Ammerlaan from Bridgestone Select Gouger Street/Wingfield, South Australia were only 22 seconds behind.

The winning teams received individual trophies and a perpetual trophy as well as the all-important Trans-Tasman bragging rights.

Ms Denley said the pride the competitors showed in their work throughout the competition, and the camaraderie between them, was great to see.

“We would like to thank everyone who participated for their willingness to get involved and act as examples for others in the industry,” she said.

“Congratulations to the winners and runners up on their outstanding performances.” The event was attended by special guests from Bridgestone Japan and Bridgestone China and Asia Pacific, Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand’s Directors, executives and supporters.

After the success of its inaugural year the Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand Tyre Technician Championships will become an annual event, with next year’s Trans-Tasman final to be held in Auckland.