Join us as we take a peek behind the curtain at the talented individuals who make up the Driveline team and keep this company running. In the months to come, we will be unveiling some of their most intriguing stories. This week we turn the spotlight on Alan Greig.
Some say that he can paint a house while hanging upside down, and that his teeth glow in the dark. All we know is he’s called the Restless Wanderer.
Meet Alan Greig, our long-serving Senior Business Manager and the man behind SmartFleet, our in house fleet management system at Driveline.
He’s a man of many passions, but there’s one that stands out above the rest – his love for motor racing. Specifically, the Improved Production Cars race series (IPC) in New Zealand.
Alan is a man who understands the thrill of the track like no other. He knows every inch of the revered Pukekohe Park race circuit, with its hair-raising Turn 1, which racers approach at foot-to-the-floor entry speeds of up to 200 km/h, long back straight that runs alongside the railway line, and concrete walls that are quick to remind drivers when they’ve made a mistake. It all adds to the thrill of racing.
End of an era
Pukekohe Park Raceway holds a special place in the hearts of all kiwi motorsport enthusiasts, but unfortunately, it’s set to close. This weekend will be the final time a race will be held there before the circuit is closed to motorsport.
Despite this sad news, Alan made the most of the IPC’s final race meeting at Pukekohe earlier this month. He put everything on the line and picked up class wins in all three races of the day, and set a personal best lap time in the process.
Managing the Improved Production Cars race series
Alan not only won the IPC championship in 2021, but he also runs the series, which is known for its clean driving and great camaraderie. Alan says he’s proud to be a part of such a tight-knit community.
And Driveline is proud to sponsor this grassroots racing series where fun and friendship trump chequebooks and politics.
But motor racing is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the adventures that Alan embarks on…
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4WD adventuring
Years ago, Alan was obsessed with four-wheel driving. And while his focus has shifted somewhat, he still loves nothing more than taking his trusty VW Amarok ute off-road from time to time.
6-day off-road tour
In February of this year, he took part in a six-day, 1,250 km guided “High Country Heritage Tour” from Blenheim to Cardona, and followed that up with a two-day solo trek that took him through some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand.
The guided tour was run by NZ Adventures – 4WD Tours, and Alan says, “I would very definitely recommend those guys”.
The tour went from Blenheim to Hammer Springs via Molesworth Station, and continued cross-country via a number of privately held stations through Methven, Fairlie, Omarama, Cromwell, and the last night was spent at the famous Cardrona Hotel.
But that was just the beginning of Alan’s journey.
Where’s that number plate?
After the guided tour was over, Alan set out on a two-day solo trek that took him along the old Nevis Road and the Arrowtown to Macetown Road. Macetown is a now-defunct mining town from the gold rush days, and the track crosses the Arrow river about 20 times and still contains his front number plate!
Throughout his journey, Alan’s trusty VW Amarok ute proved to be the perfect vehicle for the job, impressing him with its handling on steep descents and its ability to go anywhere he pointed it.
Paragliding and Radical racing
But Alan didn’t stop there. While he was down south, he also found time for some paragliding and a few laps of Highlands Park in a radical sports car.
Radical is one of the largest producers of racing and track cars in the world, selling over 2,000 cars globally in the past two decades.
Working in the auto industry at 14-years old
Alan’s love for the auto industry began at the tender age of 14. He worked tirelessly for his neighbour, an automotive air conditioning engineer, during school holidays, gaining valuable exposure and experience in the industry.
Slinging spanners
His passion only grew stronger as he pursued his automotive apprenticeship and spent many years slinging spanners as a mechanic. Eventually, he moved into a buying role and then progressed to sales, where he rose through the ranks, becoming a sales team manager.
Motoring journalism
But Alan’s love for cars extended beyond just selling them. He also spent time as a motoring writer, sharing his expertise about commercial vehicles with readers of Cargo magazine.
Fleet management
In his spare time, he even created a fleet management system, which he introduced to Driveline, leading to a fortuitous partnership that felt like a “marriage made in heaven”.
In Alan’s words, “It just seemed like most SMEs were still using spreadsheets to manage costs and compliance for their motor vehicle fleets. There had to be a better way, so SmartFleet was born out of a real gap in the market”.
Driveline Fleet Management is an online system designed to help businesses manage their vehicle costs and OSH compliance in an easy and affordable way. Find out more »
The active relaxer
When asked about his approach to relaxation, Alan simply states that he never stops moving. He says, “My wife will tell you that I’m an active relaxer. I never stop.”
Whether it’s tinkering away in his workshop, keeping fit in his home gym, or taking on construction projects around the house, Alan never seems to tire.
His boundless energy is truly remarkable. Even during the holiday season, when most of us are content to sit back and relax, Alan is up on the scaffolding, painting away with a determined focus.
In fact, Alan’s wife is so used to his tireless work ethic that she took a photo of him on the scaffolding painting and posted it on Facebook, jokingly captioned with the words, “My husband relaxing on holiday!”
Taupo
When he’s not working, you can find Alan in Taupo, one of his favourite places to go. He enjoys weekends and holidays there with his family, getting out on the lake on their JetSki and exploring the lake front pathway on foot or bike.
And of course it’s no coincidence that Taupo International Motorsport Park is nearby!
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
It seems that Alan’s 14-year-old son Ryan is following in his footsteps. He is into computers and gaming, but also shares Alan’s love for cars and serves as his main pit crew during races. The similarities between them are striking, and Alan often marvels at how his son is a chip off the old block.
Final thoughts
Alan Greig is proof that when you pursue your passions with restless energy, you can achieve great things. His love for the auto industry has taken him on an exciting journey, and he continues to find joy in exploring new paths, both on and off the road.
He knows the key to a fulfilling life is to never stop exploring, never stop learning, and never stop pushing yourself to be the best you can be. Alan Greig is a true adventurer, and we can all learn something from his example.
If want to learn more about SmartFleet fleet management, or you need finance for a racing car 🤣 or maybe something more practical like a ute, SUV or EV, you’re in good hands with Alan Greig. Give him a call on 0800 275-374 or email alan@driveline.co.nz. Or check out his bio and video here.
Nissan Leaf dealDon’t forget that we’ve negotiated an ungodly good Nissan Leaf price and we’re passing those savings on to you. Offer valid until the end of March 2023. See our Nissan Leaf page for details and full T&Cs. • • • Tesla Model 3 dealDon’t forget that up until 31 March 2023 we can offer Tesla Model 3 RWD from only $995 per month (normally $1,019), including registration and Clean Car Rebate of $8,625. See our Tesla Model 3 page for details and full T&Cs. • • • Get in touch to learn more about Nissan Leaf or Tesla Model 3…
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