A Crowe flying high

Veteran Christchurch rally driver Trevor Crowe is a motorsport legend. Metropol catches up with him about the recent launch of his book, As The Crowe Flies.

For many, Trevor Crowe (pictured) is best known for his motor-racing exploits, yet he is a competitor in every sense, far beyond the race track. From running marathons, tackling the Coast to Coast, and even risking life and limb in the notorious Maraton Nautico del Rio Balsas Mexican powerboat race, his story is an inspirational one.

Following all his childhood escapades growing up in a working-class Christchurch neighbourhood, to his formative years, and his long list of successes, As The Crowe Flies by author Steve Holmes, tells the story of Trevor’s life and exploits.

A local hero, creative, determined, competitive and courageous are all words used to describe him. Add in a disciplined work ethic, instilled by working with his father in the family garage at Waltham, and you have some insight into what shaped him.

“Growing up, I read all the hero stories I could lay my hands on,” he explains. “I loved them, and what they achieved in many different fields.”
The adventures of others set the scene for his own undertakings. With the “want wheels you work for it and save for it” advice from his father ringing in his ears, young Trevor followed his dreams from the age of seven.

Seventy years later that same steely determination still drives him to break new boundaries. “Looking back just gives you a sore neck,” he says.
“Everything, and I mean everything, is about going forward.”
Trevor knows how to drive a car fast no problem, but building the perfect competition car is a never-ending challenge for him. He’s always thinking, always prepared to go back to the drawing board, always an open mind to new ideas and concepts.

From a 1932 MG J2 through to the highest level of international competition car, Trevor has done it all, building at least 20 of them himself.
Some of his creations have been “downright scary’. “They were all well thought out, and engineered, but the biggest engine in the smallest cars… that required a skilful pilot,” he laughs.

Once one car had served its purpose it was sacrificed to provide the funds for the next exciting project already ruminating in Trevor’s brain.
Motorsports are just part of his achievements, which include building and running successful businesses, Coast to Coast competition, international marathons, Mexican jet boat odysseys, and a Himalayan adventure, riding his motorcycle over the highest road in the world. Having a quiet lie-in is not something in his repertoire.

Along the way, Trevor mastered the ability to build and motivate a great team, in business and in his many sporting adventures. “It’s simple principles, such as sharing knowledge, building talent, celebrating success, courage, fitness, and attitude,” he says.

“In a team, everyone has a voice, and is open to feedback, learning and moving forward are the key to success.”
Recent years have seen Trevor facing a few medical (and life-threatening) challenges. In his characteristic determined way, and with the same “bloody mindedness wrapped in courage” he always displays (according to partner Colleen), he’s dealt with them.

“He’s always asking questions and continually seeking a practical solution,” Colleen says. This approach has served him well, and still today he is building new race cars, competing in high profile events, as well as following a strict health and fitness regime.

He’s still flying high.

As The Crowe Flies is available online or from the Crowesport office in Moorhouse Avenue.