What are you driving?
It’s a Hilux ute, 4WD, 3-litre turbo diesel. It has a manual gearbox, high-low ratio. I like manual transmission because I can do jump starts on a hill if the battery is flat, and it has that little bit more control in tricky, slippery conditions.
The dusty metallic silver colour hides the road dirt. The roads I drive ... it’s constantly dirty, so I need it to still look smart between washes, as it carries advertising for my product, GurneyGoo, that prevents blisters and chafing.
Why did you choose this ute?
With my adventure lifestyle, I need a vehicle that can get me to kayak put-ins, ski terrain, mountain bike trails. Plus I need a safe, reliable vehicle in snowy, slippery conditions. I drove Subaru Legacy and Outback for 20 years for this same reason.
Those were fantastic safe cars but I bought this Hilux two years ago for the convenience of chucking my muddy bikes and gear in the tray. I rely on support crew to drive my vehicles when I’m racing, or for adventure drop-offs, so it needs to be easy and no nonsense to drive.
What do you keep in your ute?
A fire extinguisher; not just for my car, but in case another motorist is in need. A first-aid kit, in case I arrive back from an adventure injured, but also in case I come across an accident.
A good blanket, a box of muesli bars and two litres of water in case we’re caught out for instance by a road slip, flooding or snow. A tool box of useful tools for a breakdown, and a sturdy snatch line for towing.
Who taught you drive?
My dad, which was nerve-racking. He’s a perfectionist and was particular about the car, his pride and joy. I was 18 years old when I got my licence. I flew through the test as I’d prepared thoroughly.
I really wanted to get my licence, as I’d been denied getting it earlier. My parents thought 16 was too young to drive with all the responsibility that goes with that. Dad was also concerned that I didn’t crash the family car as he had done when he got his licence at 16.
Advice to young drivers?
Focus 100 per cent on the task of driving, not talking to your mates in the car, and definitely no cell phones.
Your first car?
I loved my first car, a 1955 Morrie Minor van with a split windscreen. It was a rusty old piece of machinery, but I painstakingly did it up to near-mint. I bought it for $100, and sold it for $1200. Not bad for a student.
Anything else in your garage?
Just 15 bikes.
Dream car?
I’d convert my ute into an electric vehicle.
Favourite movie car scene?
I must confess to loving the DeLorean in Back to the Future.
Favourite racing car driver?
Possum Bourne was inspirational; not only for his skills, but for the way he was so personable and approachable with the public. He also drove Subaru. Dan Gurney is a close second.
Can you imagine enjoying an electric or driverless car?
Driverless cars send me into a quandary ... it makes sense to get “bad” drivers out from behind the wheel. Others of us who enjoy driving and having a sense of skilled control behind the wheel will be reluctant to hand over that control.
Electric cars will be great once we get the longer range needed for out-of-town trips. I have just built myself an electric-assist bike and I love how it makes commuting by bike much easier.
And you’re promoting men’s health month. What is the most important thing men can do to look after their health?
Stay fitter. You don’t need to be super fit, just healthier. Cars are a wonderful invention and an integral part of our modern
lives ... however, use them in moderation and not to drive short trips to the corner dairy, where a walk or a bike would take the same sort of time. The human body was not designed for a sedentary life. Save the car for longer trips.
menshealthnz.org.nz