JAAP TIMMER MR ASSEN

The motorcycle world has lost one of its great characters. Jaap Timmer (1939) died after a short illness on February 22, at his home at Witten only a few miles from his TT Assen circuit. Being the son of Geert Timmer – who raced for several years at the Dutch TT and one of the organisers of the Dutch TT – he was involved in motorcycle racing from his birth. Jaap was on the board of the Stichting Circuit Assen for many years. He was also a well known circuit, radio, and television commentator, race official and magazine columnist. During his 10 year period as president of the FIM Road Race Commission he did a lot to improve circuit safety and the professionalism of the sport. After his retirement he was vice-chairman of the Friends of the TT Circuit Assen and one of the founders of the Dutch TT Museum. His name is also inextricably bound up with Opel. After being a dealer for many years he became the president of the Dutch Opel Dealer Union and later of Euroda the European dealer Union. He became known worldwide as the initiator to raise money to save Opel and became a member of the supervisory board of the Opel works in Rüsselsheim Germany. In 2002 Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands decorated him with a knighthood in the Order of Orange-nassau. Most of all, Jaap will be remembered for his joviality, listening comprehension, intermediary qualities and cheerfulness. The motorcycle world was shocked when it got notice of his death. A reaction from a well known privateer Grand Prix rider from down under said: “The most helpful official I ever came across in the world of GPS. In a time full of difficult people he would always reach out to help”. An Icon of Motorcycle Racing has gone. Our condolences go to his family and friends. Jan Burgers