Damian Max of Birkenhead, on Auckland’s North Shore, will be the Kiwi representative at the Australia/New Zealand final of the Irwin Industrial Tools Ultimate Tradesman Challenge at the Bathurst 1000 in October.

The 28-year-old beat over 200 other competitors to win the New Zealand leg at last weekend’s Hamilton 400 V8 Supercar event.

Max completed the challenge in just 23.82 seconds winning $1000 of IRWIN Tools and a trip to Bathurst to compete in the ANZ Final and the chance to go on to win $US1.26 million.

The Irwin Industrial Tools Ultimate Tradesman Challenge, which launched in February at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, requires competitors to measure, mark and drill a piece of wood, using IRWIN tools as quickly and accurately as possible.

Max took part in the challenge on each day of the event, setting his quickest time on his second attempt.

“I’m thrilled to have won it and I can’t wait for Bathurst,” said Max.

“I have been a big fan of Irwin Industrial Tools for many years and have always recommended them. Now that I have the chance to use them to win US$1.26 million is just incredible.

“I took part in the Ultimate Tradesman Challenge for some fun, now it’s very serious. To win the ANZ final I believe I’ll need to set a time around two seconds quicker than what I did in Hamilton.

“I like the idea of beating the Aussies. In fact I’m planning on attending either Sandown or Queensland Raceway in the next few months to have a go at those qualifying events for the Ultimate Tradesman Challenge.

“I can scope out my competition as well as get valuable time on the challenge in front of crowds before the Bathurst final.

“I’m a huge V8 Supercar fan and I’ve been to Bathurst twice before. This year will be something very special.”

The champion of the Australia and New Zealand’s Ultimate Tradesman Challenge will win a trip to the USA. There they will compete in the International Tradesman Challenge on November 9, in Phoenix where they have the chance to become a millionaire.