Trio at the top – The story of Kiwi legends McLaren, Hulme and Amon

Click here to watch this wonderful documentary about Kiwi motor-racing legends Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme, and Chris Amon.

Shot on a shoestring budget, but beautifully directed by one time amateur racer John Milligan, the doco uses archive footage and interviews to tell the tale of three men who reached the top of their chosen profession.

It is quite remarkable to think that a small country like New Zealand, with a tiny population, miles from the centre of the Eurpoean motor racing universe was able to produce  three drivers who were simultaneously competing for victory in Formula One, Indy Cars and the Can Am.

Each drivers life story has been well researched and it kicks off with the childhood struggles of  four time Grand Prix winner, Bruce McLaren.  The McLaren team he founded in 1966 needs no introduction, suffice to say another win for Lewis Hamilton at Canada last night improved the legacy for one of the most successful teams in Formula One.

During a couple of golden years from 1966 and 1967 the NZ trio achieved amazing success, with McLaren and Amon winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ford GT40 in ’66, and Denny Hulme claiming the Formula One world championship crown in 1967.

The director John Milligan shares an insight into why he made the film.

“One of the motivations for making this documentary occurred one Christmas Day. My (at the time) 10 year old Godson was playing with his new Formula One Computer game. He could choose which team to drive for and he chose Ferrari. I asked him why he didn’t want to be the McLaren driver because the team’s founder, Bruce McLaren was a New Zealander and grew up just down the road from where we were. He said he didn’t know that. I had to put that right!”

To view the full 7 part documentary click here