Dries van der Lof

Dries van der Lof (23 August 1919 - 24 May 1990): Andre Dries van der Lof was a Dutch racing driver and wealthy industrialist from Haaksbergen who holds the distinction of being one of the first drivers from the Netherlands to compete in a World Championship Formula One Grand Prix. Born in Emmen, van der Lof built his fortune through his factory in Haaksbergen that manufactured electrical cables, allowing him to pursue his passion for motorsport as an amateur racer. Van der Lof was a founder of the Dutch Racing Drivers' Club and competed as an enthusiastic amateur in both circuit racing and rallies in the Netherlands during the early 1950s. His dedication to developing Dutch motorsport helped establish a foundation for future generations of Dutch racing drivers.

Van der Lof's historic Formula One moment came on 17 August 1952 at the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Together with Jan Flinterman, he became the first Dutch driver to start in a World Championship Formula One race, a pioneering achievement for Netherlands motorsport. Driving an HWM 52, van der Lof faced mechanical challenges throughout the race, with magneto trouble causing him to spend much of his race time in the pits. After completing 70 laps, he was forced to retire from the race, scoring no championship points.

Despite the disappointing result, his participation marked an important milestone in Dutch racing history. The experience of competing at the highest level did not diminish van der Lof's enthusiasm for motorsport. He later purchased a Maserati 250F, one of the most iconic Formula One cars of the 1950s, and continued to enjoy his passion for racing through historic racing events well into the 1980s. This allowed him to experience the joy of driving these magnificent machines without the pressure of championship competition.

Van der Lof balanced his business responsibilities with his love of motorsport throughout his life, representing the tradition of wealthy gentleman racers who competed for the pure enjoyment of the sport. He passed away on 24 May 1990 in Enschede at the age of 70, remembered as a pioneer who helped establish the Netherlands' presence in international motorsport and as a passionate enthusiast who supported the development of Dutch racing.