DIRT NEWS
SHERWOOD’S FRESH NEW WHEELS
A
s the new Toyota Hiace Ambassador, Levi
Sherwood will be showcasing his brand
spanking new Hiace – wrapped in striking
graphics designed by Levi – at freestyle motorcross
(FMX) shows throughout the country following his
retirement from FMX competitions last November.
“I’m very excited to be partnering with Toyota
with the release of their new Hiace van. The new
Hiace is a great fit for me and my bike, so I’m
looking forward to spending more time in the van
as I travel around New Zealand riding,” Levi said.
Growing up in Palmerston North – the home
of Toyota New Zealand – Sherwood already has
2008 Toyota Hiace and Landcruiser on his rural
Manawatu property. The Landcruiser comes in
handy when it comes to shifting Levi’s home built
steel FMX ramps from his workshop to his private
training ground on the farm.
Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of
Marketing, Andrew Davis, said bringing Levi into
the Toyota family as a Hiace Ambassador was a
no-brainer.
“Levi is not only an amazing FMX rider but
also a self-taught engineer who loves creating,
customising and building motorcycle parts and
ramps in his workshop.
“The versatile 2020 Hiace van is ideal for Levi. The
van is easily customisable and can be purposed for
a wide range of jobs and activities,” he said.
A new feature of the 2020 Hiace is the semi-
bonnet design which helped improve its safety
rating to ANCAP 5-star. Levi, who picked up several
injuries during his career, is a fan of the Hiace’s
safety system as it matches his personal interest
in safety. He has a new business venture to make
giant safe landing airbags for FMX shows and
training.
As well as the sharp graphics adorning Levi’s
new ZR van, the team at Toyota New Zealand in
Palmerston North added a few features such as
the blacked-out alloy wheels, black nudge bar and
tinted glass that sets off the white van and cool
black and orange graphics.
Over the past 10 years Levi has become
an international star on the FMX circuit. He
wowed audiences in his first Red Bull X-Fighters
competition and, despite a late call-up to replace
another rider in the 2009 Mexico event, the then
17-year-old took out the first place against vastly
more experienced riders.
He went on to build a career in X-Fighters and
Nitro World Games. Over the past decade Levi has
been a regular rider in both the Crusty Demons and
Nitro Circus shows. He is known for his dedication
to training and continually pushing the boundaries
in his performances.
Levi stepped back from competition at the end
of 2019 and will be concentrating his time and
attention into growing the sport in New Zealand and
performing in shows throughout the country.
KIWI RIDER 19