I was approached by Jock Freemantle on behalf of Hulme Supercars Limited in early
January 2004 with his proposal to name their New Zealand Supercar “HULME” in
honour of Denny.
Denny was a passionate Kiwi with an inspirational attitude, he often said: “Just do it,
be positive and live the Dream”
After seeing the proposed drawings of the car, I knew, even knowing his reclusive way,
he would have been proud and honoured to have such a spectacular New Zealand
car named after him.
Denny, who was awarded the OBE, came from a family with a brave
“DO IT-GET ON WITH IT” attitude. His father was Alfred C Hulme VC. He was awarded
the Victoria Cross for action in the Second World War. He returned to New Zealand
having been wounded in Crete, and settled in Te Puke.
Even when Denny went on the “Driver to Europe” scheme in 1960 and his New
Zealand team mate was killed, racing at Roskilda in Denmark he chose to follow his
“Do It-Get on with it” attitude, and kept racing.
Over the years he lost many of his fellow competitors, killed whilst racing, but it was
not until the death of his great friend, Peter Revson in 1974 that he decided to retire
from F1 racing at the end of the season.
I believe Denny, who was a basic mechanic turned driver who took on the world with
his passionate spirit of “Just do it, be positive and live the dream” would have been
absolutely “chuffed” that such a spectacular car was named after him.
It continues his Kiwi “CAN DO” attitude.
I remain in total support.
Greeta Hulme (Denny’s widow)
“The Denny Hulme Trust”
Rotorua, New Zealand.
October 2005
