Joshtalk - Josh Benson Racing

Zandvoort Race Circuit - New on calender for 2010

In the 1930s, serious plans were developed for a permanent car racing track in the Netherlands. At the time, there were already two circuits for motorbike riders, the renowned Drenthe Circuit and the TT Practice Circuit in Limburg. On 3 June 1939, the first car race was held on a road circuit in Zandvoort. Although the war broke out soon afterwards, the huge success of these races convinced the Mayor of Zandvoort, Mr. Van Alphen, to develop plans for a track to the north of the beach resort.

Even then, the mayor was acutely aware that more was needed to draw the crowds than just sun, sea and sand. On 7 August 1948, the first car race was held on Zandvoort’s new track. The Royal Dutch Motorbike Association organised the first motorbike race on the Zandvoort dune circuit on 28 August 1948. Sporting highlights in the period to 1973 included the 1952 Grand Prix, which was a world championship race, the Grand Prix of 1961 when all 15 starting vehicles made it to the finish without a single pit stop, and the Dutch Grand Prix in 1955, won by Fangio and Mercedes.

The last world championship race at Zandvoort was in 1985. In 1972, the owners – Zandvoort city council – no longer wanted to put up the money necessary to modernise the track and make it safe. On 7 February 1973, a 15-year lease was signed between the city council and Cenav B.V. (shareholders: NAV and KNAC). Crash barriers were built around the entire race track, and at the back of the circuit a speed control section was laid, the Panoramabocht. New pits and VIP rooms were also created. The total cost was over 3 million guilders.

In the 1970s and 1980s, noise was a major issue in the racing world. Drivers used silencers from 1979 onwards but opponents believed it was not enough. Although the circuit generated tens of millions of guilders for the economy, the opposition persisted. In 1983, the mayor and aldermen of Zandvoort once again took a positive approach to the circuit. A key change occurred in 1985 – The Council of State decided that the track’s presence did not obstruct house-building in Zandvoort.