Calgary’s Brett Hart is a world champion.
Brett Hart, not to be confused with pro wrestler and fellow Calgarian Bret Hart (we’re sure he’s very tired of hearing that), headed to Japan this week for the finals of Yamaha’s in-house competition for wrenchers, the Yamaha World Tech GP. Hart earned the trip by winning the Canadian edition of the challenge. We told you all about the challenge in July, and told you later that week about Brett winning it.
Now, he’s the winner of the Sports Model class at the world championship.
In Japan, Hart faced off against 21 finalists from 19 countries at Yamaha’s headquarters in a competition very similar to what he already experienced in Canada, with a mix of both technical challenges and customer service scenarios. The final competition took a day to complete, and Hart says the victory is a dream come true. He earned his spot after making his way to the Canadian finals three times, so he’s definitely a man who’s willing to work for what he wants.
When he’s not winning competitions, Hart is a master technician at Blackfoot Motorsports. Maybe, if you live in Calgary, that’s where you’ll take your bike for servicing from now on?
See Yamaha’s official press release below:
Canadian Mechanic Wins Yamaha World Tech GP in Japan
Friday, October 19 (Toronto, ON) – For the first time ever, a Canadian representative was crowned champion at the Yamaha World Technician Grand Prix, held at Yamaha Motor Corporation’s headquarters in Iwata, Japan on October 17. Brett Hart, a master technician at Blackfoot Motorsports (Calgary, AB), earned the prestigious title at the 8th running of the World Tech GP.
“Words cannot describe the way I feel,” said Hart after the event. “It’s surreal, a dream come true. I have been treated like a celebrity by Yamaha staff, and all the competitors act like I’m a rock star. It’s unlike anything I have experienced before.”
Hart earned his spot in the world finals by winning the Canadian qualifier, held at Yamaha Motor Canada’s Toronto offices in July. Hart had previously been a three-time Canadian finalist before breaking through with his first win this year.
Similar to the Canadian competition, the day-long WTGP included both technical and customer service labs, providing an extra level of challenge for staff who spend most of their time wrenching behind the scenes rather than interacting with customers.
Hart admitted to overthinking during the technical lab, putting his hopes at risk. “I was second-guessing myself instead of trusting my training,” the Calgary native explained, “but I was able to get past it and quickly made up points.”
In addition to the full-day competition, the WTGP finalists enjoyed a meeting with the governor of the Shizuoka prefecture, a tour of the impressive Yamaha Communication Plaza and factory assembly line in Iwata, opening and closing ceremonies, a farewell dinner with a traditional Japanese magic show, and a two-day tour of Kyoto and Osaka.
Hart bested 21 competitors representing 19 countries and regions, finishing ahead of second-place Darren Stout of Australia and third-place Alan Simmonds in the Sports Model class. There are an estimated 34,000 Yamaha Technical Academy-certified technicians across the globe, making Hart’s achievement all the more stunning.
“I think this shows that Yamaha Motor Canada takes service very seriously and should be respected on a global level,” Hart summarized. “It shows we care for our customers and have the skills to keep them safe and happy on the roads.”
Held every two years, the Yamaha Technician Grand Prix is organized as part of Yamaha Motor Corporation Ltd.’s global service education plan. The goal of the Yamaha Tech GP is to raise awareness and increase competency of Yamaha’s technicians.
having sent techs to the Yamaha Tech GP, I know how tough the competition is. Well done Brett!
Awesome job Brett! That is an incredible achievement and your entire family and friends must be very proud.
Brett we are very proud of this incredible and challenging competition you have just won.
Since you joined our Certified Service Team at BLACKFOOT Motosports you have always lead by example with you hard work and dedication, cleanliness and organisational skills.
Not only have you now became Yamaha GP Tech World Champion you have become a Master BMW Technician as well as completed numerous credentials while attending Apriiia – Guzzi – Vespa – KTM Street – KTM Off Road – Triumph – MV Agusta – KawasKi Training Schools and courses enabling you to become a multi brand quality technician.
What is most impressive is you have remained humble and focused in continuing to work closely with our team of 10 Certified Red Seal Mororcycle Technicians, Manager’s and support staff!
Again, from the. Owners – Managers – and the Team at Blackfoot a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS and you have made us all very PROUD!
Thank you to Yamaha Canada for hosting you and one of our Managers Jeff Mason while in Japan and on Tour!
ONE TEAM – ONE PLAN – ONE GOAL
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
BLACKFOOT Motosports
Established 1970
Congratulations Brett! Makes me want to go to Blackfoot to get my bike serviced, and I live on Vancouver Island!
That’s a title to be respected! The kind of competition that’s more than a game.
Hearty congratulations to Brett Hart! Fine work.
Although I personally would never travel to Japan for any reason, no matter how much you paid me…