Few Australian TV origin stories capture the nation like that of Brent Draper, the new Isuzu UTE Australia ambassador. Voluntarily withdrawing from MasterChef in 2021 to prioritise his mental health, the former boilermaker (and self-taught cook) returned to claim a famous victory in the 2023 series. 

The fan-favourite’s post-MasterChef journey has seen him craft an authentic brand as a content creator, podcaster, and businessman. He posts recipes from campsites and professional kitchens alike to his 103,000 Instagram followers, publishes his ‘Behind the Drapes’ podcast alongside wife, Shonleigh, and has launched a culinary venture, Drapes Deli, which opened in Yeppoon, Queensland, in March 2025. 

A keen caravanner, 4WD aficionado, surfer, and fisherman, Draper’s relationship with Isuzu UTE predates his official ambassador role. He was already the owner of a 23MY D-MAX LS-U as his personal ute, regularly using it on caravanning adventures with Shonleigh and their two young boys.  

“For the 10 months or so before I returned to MasterChef I was travelling around Australia cooking over the campfire – I didn’t even have an oven! The Isuzu D-MAX complements my family and our lifestyle perfectly because I love the chance to get out there and make the most of this amazing country,” says Brent. 

“You’d be surprised how ‘gourmet’ you can get out of the back of a D-MAX.” 

Draper also has ambassador roles for Coles and Jayco Caravans, as well as being a mental health advocate. Footage of Draper’s emotional withdrawal from Season 13 of 2021 MasterChef, in which he speaks openly with late program host and chef, Jock Zonfrillo, has been lauded for both sides’ sensitive engagement.  

“I decided to learn to cook to help my mates and I eat better while dealing with cost of living as an apprentice,” says Draper. “Soon I found that I loved it, and I just got more and more refined as it grew from a survival thing to an absolute passion.”  

“I can’t wait to continue my ‘journey’, literally, in my D-MAX.”