JORDAN VANDERMADE IS THE SKY SPORT SELECT HOST, WHICH SCREENS ON TUESDAYS, SKY SPORT 4, 6PM
You drive a Hyundai ix35?
It’s a 2014 dark grey auto. I like the look of the Hyundais, and it was a toss-up between the iX35 and the Santa Fe. In the end, with the amount of travel I do across the city each day, I thought the iX35 was the way to go. It handles great, is economical and also really smooth on longer trips.
Who else is allowed to drive your car?
Anyone really, but mainly my partner.
First car you owned?
A 1990 BMW 325i. I was 16 and I won it in a bet with my uncle. He said if I was a New Zealand champion in any event, it could be like pool or snooker or athletics which is what I was doing, he would buy my first car. I won at the New Zealand Secondary Schools — the 200m, 400m, long jump and discus. He asked me what I wanted and I said an old-school BMW manual and he amazingly found it.
Your dream car?
I love the classics, a James Dean Porsche 356 Super Speedster would do just nicely.
If you could go anywhere in the world, with anyone, in any car?
It would be pretty cool to be with Usain Bolt heading to the Olympic Games for the 100m final, I guess, in whatever car he drives. I think he has an association with Nissan. Maybe cruise around Jamaica. That would be cool to be in the car with him and see how he prepares, what music he listens to.
Who taught you to drive?
My dad. I would have been 12 or 13, I learnt in his Toyota HiAce work van. He was great at teaching me to drive.
Do you prefer manual or automatic?
Manual, but commuting in Auckland’s traffic means there is no point spending hours going from first to second gear.
Most memorable road trip?
I was recently in Queenstown and that drive out to Wanaka and back would have to be at the top of the list for me. If you haven’t done it, it’s a must, with a stop at the Cardrona pub for a cold one on the way back.
What do you always have in the car?
This will sound boring, but being an auctioneer/TV presenter, having my phone plugged in and diary close by is a must for me.
And what do you listen to in your car?
Radio, music, I have a mix of everything: George FM, hip hop. Radio Sport dominates quite a bit during the day. Because I am in the car a lot with my auctions for UP Real Estate it depends on what mood I am in.
What’s a great day trip out of Auckland?
I love heading up on a Sunday morning to Matakana, Omaha or Tawharanui.
The second option is a trip to the Riverhead Tavern or the Hallertau brewery on the Coatesville-Riverhead Highway — it is never is a bad excuse to get out of the city.
What irritates you most about other drivers?
Tailgating and early morning road rage. Like, seriously, it’s the start of the day and they are worked up like that, those people just need a hug.
Would you rather drive in Auckland or take public transport?
I’d rather drive, but I have nothing against public transport. I just like my own space. I do, on the other hand, dislike Auckland traffic.