Dennis MARWOOD Obituary

I came to know Dennis quite well after his front-line motor racing career had ended, when he became involved in Classic racing, driving very fast Alfa Romeos. But my single, greatest memory of him happened earlier than that. It was some time in the 80s, at Pukekohe. Dennis had been roped in as Starter for one of the Porsche Le Mans Relay Race events. Pukekohe racetrack was a much more primitive place in those days, and there was a rickety set of wooden steps on wheels for the Starter, on the outside of the Armco barrier, just past the Start/Finish line. When the race was about to start, Dennis mounted the steps to the top, raised the flag... and swung it down vigorously. This was enough to destabilise his ancient wooden platform, which started to slowly topple forwards, taking Dennis with it. As it fell, Dennis seamlessly stepped forward, straight onto the top of the Armco barrier where, amid great applause from the watching crowd, he took a bow. A wonderful demonstration of great presence of mind, and quick thinking. Ciao, Dennis.

A friend and car racer legend. Always had a smile and a good story. Rest easy Dennis. X