Race mechanic competition - Belgium

TRW’s race coverage this season will be provided by Oliver Kroell. In an interview with Gerwin Sok, winner of the TRW Belgian race mechanic competition, Oliver gets the lowdown on his experience of the weekend. 

“A fantastic and thrilling experience; the most exciting thing I have ever done. I’m only sad the weekend passed so quickly. I was treated like a real team member and I learned many new things, which are so completely different from my job as a mechanic. I would love to do it again.”
Gerwin Sok, May 2011

Q: How did you hear about the competition?
A: From my boss! He knows I am a petrolhead and love Motorsport.

Q: What job do you do on a daily basis?
A: I’m a mechanic in a Suzuki Workshop; completely different to the job I’ve done this weekend.

Q: A fan of motor sport; what do you follow?
A: F1 and the Dutch Swift Cup as I work for Suzuki. But from now on, I’ll also follow the WTCC!

Q: What were the highlights of the weekend?
A: The first time at the grid was a cool experience. The team was so friendly and welcoming and despite the pressure they were working under, everybody took time to explain things. Their professionalism and timings were impressive. Going back to my day job will be very hard after this.

Q: Did anything unexpected happen?
A: I really didn’t expect to be treated as a real working team member. And of course it was great to be with the team which made it to the podium.

Q: Where you familiar with TRW parts before this?
A: Yes I’m familiar with the brand. At work, we use TRW products because of the quality. By working with top quality products, our customers have confidence in our work and the service we give them – and then we get repeat business.