Steve Comber

When he’s not teaching the next generation of automotive technicians and mechanics at the Toi Ohomai Taupō campus, Academic Staff Member – Automotive Apprenticeships, Steve Comber, can be found on the sidelines at racetracks around the world.

Steve contracts part-time to Prime Speed Sport, a Kiwi company based out of Hampton Downs and Taupō Motorsport Park, that specialises in global high-performance motorsport. Most recently, Steve travelled to the south of France to work as a tyre and suspension technician at Le Castellet’s Circuit Paul Ricard.“

As a contractor, I fill a variety of roles as required, such as race engineer, car refueler, tyre changer, team manager and mechanic. I love the variety of work, both in the roles I fill and the locations we travel to.”

Over the past 24 months, Steve’s contracting work has taken him to Malaysia’s Sepang Circuit, Bathurst Mount Panorama in Australia, Misano World Circuit and Imola Circuit in Italy, as well as six major raceways in New Zealand

Prime Speed Sport's cliental are generally international businesspeople who are interested in car racing.

“They’re really good at it too,” Steve says. “They’ll buy a car and need a pit crew for periods of time, as well as instructors to take them through driver training.”

Aston Martins, Lamborghinis, Porches and McLarens are among the most common, hi-spec race cars Steve works on.

“Working in a race team is about fast-paced perfection. It’s an awesome challenge - you can’t afford for anything to go wrong. Because safety is so important, every role in the team is high-pressure and rewarding. When the race is done for the day, there’s a great sense of achievement,” Steve says.

When asked if he has longer-term plans to move into the car racing industry more permanently, Steve simply says he loves automotive teaching too much.

“Don’t get me wrong, travelling around the world to some of the most iconic racetracks is exciting... Recently, when I was in Monaco, sitting and having a coffee at a local café, I did contemplate how my life choices had culminated in me ending up here,” Steve chuckles.

“But teaching automotive to the next generation is really rewarding. I really enjoy it! My contracting work helps me relate to the students. The automotive industry moves so quickly – there are always new inventions or modifications to learn. Because I’m working with cutting-edge technology at Prime Speed Sport, I can keep my teaching up-to-date and relevant for our apprentices and secondary tertiary partnerships students,” he says.

“It helps keep the students engaged too. They love hearing about the hi-spec cars, and it opens their eyes to the variety of roles and opportunities out there in the automotive industry, nationally and overseas.”

Outside of working, Steve is heavily involved in Scouts Aotearoa as a key volunteer. He is a National Safety Advisor for the organisation and sits on their National Council. More locally in Taupō, he also runs the local Scouts group, continuing his commitment to youth development inside and outside the classroom.