After months of arduous tests and interviews, the top 10 Yamaha technicians from across Canada arrived at Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. headquarters in Toronto for the 2012 Technician Grand Prix. Competitors were put through ten skill-testing labs that included troubleshooting mechanical issues, precision measurement and customer service interviews.

By the end of the competition, Darrin Ostapowich of Schultz Motorsports in Kamloops, BC was awarded the title of Tech GP Champion.

The Tech GP is a contest that pits the very best technicians from countries the world over to promote Yamaha’s worldwide service network.  So, the journey doesn’t end here for Mr. Ostapowich. In October, he will fly to Japan to represent Canada in the Yamaha Motor Technician World Championships. To prepare for the World Finals, Darrin said “The studying won’t stop until October. I’ll try to replicate the challenges we had here in Toronto while re-discovering the old fundamentals, making sure they’re good and strong, and coming forth to the new technologies we now see.”

For Canadian dealers and their technicians, Tech GP is a very prestigious incentive rewarding their on-going training (Yamaha Technical Academy) as well as a level of excellence and commitment.

Finishing in second place was Nick King from Vernon Motorsports Ltd. in Vernon, British Columbia. Rounding out the top three was Mathieu Talbot from R.P.M. Rive Sud in Lévis, Québec.

Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. would like to thank all competitors and wish Darrin Ostapowich the best of luck in his quest for the title of Yamaha’s Technician Grand Prix World Champion.

Photo Caption: Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. President Hank Fujita with Tech GP Canadian Champion William "Darrin" Ostapowich