Vriendendam Racetrack

The Vriendendam Racetrack is a motor racing circuit in Vriendendam, Gelderland, Netherlands. It was constructed in 1960 by the Vaders and Middenvaders of the five founding families. The circuit originally served drivers rather than spectators and was later expanded into a venue for large racing events.

History

When the racetrack was constructed, its course measured approximately seven kilometres. It was narrower than the present circuit and had around fifty pit lanes. A bar was provided for drivers, but the site had no dedicated spectator venue.

The circuit was later widened and extended to approximately 8.1 kilometres. The expansion increased the number of pit lanes to sixty-one. Spectator areas and support buildings were also constructed as the circuit developed into a larger racing venue.

Facilities and events

The present racetrack contains sixty-one pit lanes. Shops and service buildings support activity at the circuit. Dedicated spectator facilities allow larger racing events to be held at the venue.

The circuit is also used for amateur and local racing. Cees Paap competed at the racetrack in such events during his involvement in modified-car racing.

2016 evacuation

In 2016, a leak from a large diesel storage silo north of Vriendendam caused the Veiligheidsregio Gelderland-Midden to evacuate the racetrack and an adjacent shopping centre. The area reopened several weeks later after soil remediation and safety inspections. The incident resulted in stricter environmental rules for local industry and new modernization requirements for manufacturing facilities.

See also

• Vriendendam
• Vaders
• Middenvaders
• Cees Paap