Outback man’s dream drive

Subaru’s Outback man has taken permanent delivery of the marque’s latest model in an 18-year relationship, with managing director Wallis Dumper saying the association is like a “lifetime sponsorship”. Steve Gurney has been the face of Outback in this country since the first model was launched, and has since fronted advertising campaigns to promote the all-wheel-drive wagon. When he decided to become a professional multi-sport athlete, he wanted an Outback, which had just been launched in 1996. “When I got a call, I was super-excited and it didn’t take long to say yes,” says Gurney, who has shifted from Christchurch to Queenstown. At the time, he had a Legacy wagon to reach more inaccessible places his sport demanded. “It was good, but needed more clearance,” Gurney recalls. “The Legacy was fine for getting to ski fields, but the rutted tracks to rivers or mountain bike trails demanded more. The Outback has enabled me to get to my adventures.” Gurney believes the sponsorship is a record for an individual in multi-sport because it has been based on mutual trust between himself and Subaru of NZ. “We didn’t get bogged down in red tape. I’ve worked with a lot of sponsors over the years, but the best ones are those that come to you. Subaru also looked after me in Australia and the US. Twice I won cars in Subaru-sponsored events in Australia.” Gurney says the sponsorship has worked over a long period because he and the marque stayed true to themselves. “It probably wouldn’t have worked with a big corporate.” Dumper adds: “Steve has been a great brand ambassador by utilising his Outback for a range of activities off the beaten track.” Gurney was a Kiwimulti-sport and triathlon athlete until 1994. He later won the Coast to Coast race a record nine times. In 1994, a severe leptospirosis infection caught from bat dung while racing in Sarawak’s jungles in Borneo nearly cost him his life due to respiratory and renal failure. His determination and patience allowed him to fight back to full fitness. Gurney was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to endurance sport in the 2004 New Year Honours. He announced his retirement from sport in August 2007 due to a two-year fight with an ankle injury. Gurney now presents motivational talks, develops sports-related products and undertakes unique challenges around the world.