Life in the fast lane

In the notoriously competitive world of US motorsport, chances for even the most passionate young Kiwi mechanics to make their mark are few and far between.

But one Otago Polytechnicgraduate has grabbed his chance to shoot for the big time, mix with the best in the business and discover the price people will pay for their sporting passion.

Automotive pre-apprenticeship graduate Hayden Crossen discovered a passion for all things automotive at an early age. His parents claim he was always mechanically oriented; he started working on trucks and karts as a teenager, ended up in a car workshop and just stayed. Until now that is.

A year out of his apprenticeship, an advert for a qualified mechanic caught his eye. The chance to assist New Zealander Graham Gaiger with his professional kart team and driving school in Florida was an offer too good to be passed up.

“Gaiger wanted to give a New Zealander a chance to experience his world, and I had just the right qualifications and experience” says Hayden. “Now I’ve really been able to develop those skills.”

Florida’s been an eye-opening experience for Hayden, but his career is shaping up well. He has forged connections that could pave his way further into the industry; like Pablo Montoya, owner of Easykart America and father of racing great Juan Pablo Montoya. And with a steady stream of people prepared to buy brand new karts at US $10,000 plus a pop, there will be a real need for his skills in the future.

Hayden looks forward to a day when his skills and experience can help other New Zealanders find their way into the industry. Perhaps operating his own track and training drivers up to Formula One standard. In the meantime though, keep an eye out for the name Crossen, crewing on the international motorsport circuit.