The chance to work in the pit lane at the Bathurst 1000 motor race is no longer a dream for Charles Darwin University apprentice Matthew Johnston.
The CDU panel beating apprentice has been selected to be part of the NRMA Insurance Smash Repairs team for the Bathurst 1000 in October.
Matthew is the only Territory representative in the 29 apprentice team chosen from across Australia.
'I was absolutely stoked when I heard the news,' Matthew said.
The good news was announced to Matthew in pit lane at Hidden Valley during the SKYCITY Triple Crown V8 Supercar weekend.
The national program gives panel beating apprentices the chance to repair race cars and meet the drivers and their teams.
'Working with the supercars was great, but I know Bathurst is going to be a lot harder.'
CDU vehicle body repairs and panel beating coordinator Grant Mauger said the trip to Bathurst would be a great experience for Matthew.
'He will be exposed to new techniques, materials and equipment, and gain new skills,' he said.
'Matthew is very passionate about his job and is always the first one in the morning and the last to leave. He is extremely deserving of this.'