Automotive students sign up for Flying Spanners

Charles Darwin University Automotive student Chanel Lambert has thrown caution to the wind and become the first to register for the Shannon’s Flying Spanner competition at the Red Centre NATS in Alice Springs.

The first-year light vehicle apprentice said she was looking forward to competing in Flying Spanners, held on 1 and 2 September as part of the high octane car festival.

“I’ll give it my best shot, whether I win or not,” Chanel said.

“There’ll be a bit of pressure but it will be fun to work together as a team and race against the clock.

“I’m a hands-on person and enjoy learning my way around a motor vehicle engine. I’ve been tinkering on cars since I was a teenager.”

Chanel’s Flying Spanners partner will be Alice Auto Repairs colleague Curtis Smith, a second-year apprentice and fellow student at CDU.

Their Automotive Technology trainer Bruce Kimm wished the pair well at the event, which showcases knowledge, teamwork and speed.

“This is the third year that CDU has hosted the Flying Spanners competition at the Red Centre Nats,” Mr Kimm said.

“Teams of two compete in heats against the clock to dismantle, reassemble and start a four-cylinder engine, with the fastest two teams competing in the grand final.

“We want to hear from mechanics, apprentices or anyone who knows their way around a motor and who’s up for a personal challenge.”

Mr Kimm said the winner would receive airfares, accommodation and two tickets to next year’s SummerNats street machine car festival in Canberra.

Chanel, who moved to Alice Springs this year from country New South Wales, said SummerNats was the most renowned car festival in Australia. 

“Having attended SummerNATS two years ago, there were so many different cars and the burn-outs were awesome,” she said. “It was so much fun it was like heaven.”