Racing legend Dick Johnson officially farewelled the NRMA Insurance Smash Repair Team at this year's Sydney Telstra 500.
Johnson told the gathering that guided by leader Tony Warrener, the team has supported apprentices and the motor sport community for more than 40 years.
"It is with great sadness that we farewell the NRMA Insurance Smash Repair Team," Johnson said.
NRMA Insurance has sponsored the team since 1988, helping young people to forge a career as a smash repairer and participate in a unique training experience.
IAG national supply chain manager Roy Briggs said that the team gained 'hands on' work at V8 Supercars series events each year.
"Apprentices have helped to repair the cars of famous Australian drivers at some of the nation's most internationally recognised racetracks," Briggs said.
"It's a great 'hands-on' experience for school leavers that helps make a career in smash repairs an attractive option.
"We're proud of our long-standing partnership and we're sad to see that it's come to an end. We support Tony and the Smash Repair Team directors in their decision to end the program and we wish them all the very best for their future endeavours."
The NRMA Insurance Smash Repair Team has provided a valuable and free service to the motorsport community who may require their wide ranging repair services including crash repair, spray painting, sign writing and welding.
The volunteers on the team have worked at various race meetings and in shifts, day and night until each repair job is completed.
Tony Warrener has been the cornerstone of the team since it first started.
"I believe our program has created better tradespeople for the future and has allowed young people to be passionate about every aspect of their work," Warrener said.
"We've given thousands of kids an opportunity to discover and display their abilities as well as given them exposure to new skills. It's about having a fair go and gives kids confidence. I hope they are as proud as I am to see what they’ve achieved."
NRMA Insurance continues to support the next generation of talent. In addition to its Apprentice of the Year program, the insurer has worked with V8 Supercars and TAFE NSW to provide a further 30 apprentices the experience of working at this years' Homebush event.