Me and my car: Sarah Walker

BMX star Sarah Walker and her Toyota Hilux truck. Picture / DGLT

Sarah Walker, BMX rider and silver medallist at the London Olympics, takes time out of her busy schedule to tell Donna McIntyre about her other sweet ride

What do you drive?

A black 2005 Toyota Hilux. This is my first automatic. I have always had manuals - I feel you have more control - but I have really enjoyed the cruise control on this, especially with all the driving I do between Cambridge and Auckland. And I love the sound system and my mags and the Kicker speakers. It makes driving easier.

What music do you listen to?

It depends on my mood. Usually I listen to what's on my phone; I have 3000 songs, and whatever comes up on random play.

What was your first car?

It was a Toyota Corolla '87 when I first got my licence. It was Mum and Dad's; they had it since new.

Your dream car?

A Chevy Camaro, in green, because it looks cool and goes fast.

Favourite car colour?

Green or black. Green is my favourite colour.

What is the most important consideration when you buy a car?

A place for my bike.

What age did you get your licence?

My mum taught me in Kawerau and I was 15 when I got my licence. She was a great teacher; she grew up on a farm. I guess you learn a few more tricks driving round on a farm.

Manual or automatic?

It depends on what road you are on; but, on a typical road, I prefer manual.

How often does your Hilux get cleaned?

Usually once a month and I do it. I've been injured lately so someone else does it. It's a bit difficult with one arm.

Your most memorable road trip?

A road trip to Cape Reinga and back in one go, the day after the Halbergs. That's a lot of kilometres, I drove with a friend. They just said we should drive up to Cape Reinga as a joke. I called their bluff. We drove all the way to Cape Reinga and watched the sunset and turned round and came back. We got home at 3am.

What's a great day trip out of Auckland?

Cambridge.

Does the car people drive influence how you perceive them?

I expect drivers with a Holden Commodore or a Ford Falcon to at least be going the speed limit, and I get frustrated when they're not.

Would you rather drive in Auckland or take public transport?

If the public transport system was better, I'd definitely use it. London public transport is so good. In Auckland I'd rather drive but only marginally. I'm too much of a country girl.

Are you more of a petrol head or environmentally friendly?

It depends on the car and the purpose.

Who else is allowed to drive your car?

I have let a couple of people, but not often really because if they did something wrong in my car it's going to look like I did it. I'd have to trust them.

Do you get to keep the number plate SW BMX on your Beef and Lamb sponsored Iron Maiden Hilux?

I can't imagine what they would want it for but it's up to them.