Former Warrnambool and Heywood mechanic Jason Childs, left, MX Nationals champion Josh Coppins, centre, and Craig Dack Racing owner Craig Dack.
A FORMER Warrnambool mechanic has helped his professional motocross team reassert its dominance of the Australian racing scene.
Jason Childs says he is living the dream working as crew chief for Craig Dack Racing gun and newly-crowned national champion Josh Coppins.
Coppins claimed the 10-round MX Nationals series with a consistent final-round display at Coolum, Queensland.
The title was his first, after a 600-plus race career in Australia and overseas, and allowed him to retire from the sport on a high.
Childs, who joined CDR in 2009 but had not worked with Coppins until this year, was rapt.
He said there was a sense of satisfaction preparing and maintaining the bike used throughout the year.
“Unless you’ve been around racing and you understand, you don’t know that behind the scenes a lot of work goes into it,” he said.
“As of tomorrow, I’ve worked 19 days in a row without a break.
“There are big hours but the rewards outweigh any of it.
“You get to the end of a two-week period and you’re worn out but when you’re up on the podium it makes it all worthwhile.”
Childs, 29, grew up on a Heywood dairy farm and started his career at Roe Motorcycles in Warrnambool in 1999.
He stayed with the company for a decade before joining CDR in Geelong ahead of the 2009 season.
Childs started as mechanic for four-time Australian champion Jay Marmont but took over crewing for Coppins when Marmont left the team this year.
He also works in engine development and says he is enjoying his dream job.
“When you’re passionate about it, it’s easy to do,” he said.
afawkes@standard.fairfax.com.au