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Johannes Bernhardus Theodorus "Hans" Hugenholtz,known in English-speaking countries asJohn Hugenholtz(October 31, 1914, – March 25, 1995) was a Dutch designer of race tracks and cars.
John Hugenholtz | |
|---|---|
 Hugenholtz in 1961 | |
| Born | October 31, 1914 |
| Died | March 25, 1995(aged 80) Bentveld,Netherlands |
| Known for | Designing racing circuits |
| Children | 1 |
Personal life
editHugenholtz's father, of the same name, was a Protestant minister and peace activist who moved his family toPurmerendin 1918 andAmmerstolin 1924. Hugenholtz studied to be a lawyer and became a journalist by profession, but his interests were in cars. As a young man, he was an amateur motorcycle racer.[1]
Hugenholtz and his wife, Marianne Sophie van Rheineck Leyssius, were involved in a car crash inZandvoorton January 10, 1995. His wife died immediately, while he succumbed to the injuries two months later at home.[1]
His son, Hans Hugenholtz Jr. (born 1950), is a race car driver.[2]
As a circuit designer
editHugenholtz designed a variety of circuits used forFormula Onewhich have been praised for their challenging nature and innovative features.[citation needed]The latter includes the use of multiple layers of stretching, chainlink fences ( "catch fences") to slow down and catch cars running off the track, decreasing the chance of driver injury compared to the customary solid barriers.[1]Such a concept was ultimately perfected for oval tracks (and some road courses) in the early 2000s in the form of theSAFER barrier.
Amongst others, he designed the circuitsSuzukainJapan(1962),ZolderinBelgium(1963), theHockenheimring's "Motodrom" stadium section inGermany(1965),JaramainSpain(1967),Ontario Motor Speedway(together with Portland-based architect Michael Parker) inCalifornia(1970), andNivellesin Belgium (1971).[1]Although often credited with designing the Zandvoort circuit as well, the layout was largely dictated by the existing road layout, withSammy Davisacting as the principal design consultant.[3]
Other work
edit
Hugenholtz founded theNederlandse Auto Race Clubin 1936 and was director of theZandvoortracing circuit from 1949 to 1974. He also founded theAssociation Internationale de Circuits Permanentsin Paris, and thePionier Automobielen Clubin 1956, leading to theFédération Internationale des Voitures Anciennes(FIVA).
He was involved in the stillborn projects of the Dutch Barkey (1948) and Delfino (1989) cars, the latter based on theAlfa Romeo Alfasudchassis and drivetrain.[4]
References
edit- Biography in family history(page 32)(in Dutch)
- Bio with emphasis on designed tracks(in Dutch)
- ^abcdTremayne, David (8 October 2022)."TREMAYNE: John Hugenholtz – the circuit designer who made Suzuka his 'magnum opus'".Formula1.com.Formula One World Championship Limited.Retrieved25 February2024.
- ^"Hans (John) Hugenholtz".Speedsport Magazine.Retrieved25 February2024.
- ^"Grand Designs: John Hugenholtz".Grand Prix View. 2010-10-05.Retrieved2010-10-06.
- ^Autodesign in Nederland, by Jan Lammerse
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