Johannes "Jan" Lammers, (born June 2, 1956 in Zandvoort), is a racing driver and team principal from the Netherlands. He participated in 41 Formula One Grand Prix races, debuting on January 21, 1979 after winning the 1978 European Formula 3 Championship. In 1988, Lammers wrote history at Le Mans. In a Jaguar he drove 13 out of the 24 hours, and beat the Porsche team who had remained unbeaten since 1982. Lammers and the team managed to finish first despite a broken gearbox. It was the first victory for Jaguar since 1957. He later participated in the race with his own team Racing for Holland. In 1990 Lammers won the 24 Hours of Daytona driving a Jaguar XJR-12. Jan Lammers is currently running the Dutch A1 Grand Prix team.

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A profile of Sportscar Racing

Sportscar racing appeals to many people, drivers, fans, manufacturers, designers, constructors, suppliers of engines, gearboxes, brakes, tires etc.  Even filmmakers love the concept.

 The often applied multi-drivers format generates the one-for-the-money-and-one –for-show effect. Through this loophole the ongoing clashes are created on-and-off the track. On the track because the dentists, lawyers, consultants, business entrepreneurs etc. are fulfilling their life-time dream by participating in the Le Mans or Daytona 24 Hour races, or even the 12 Hours of Sebring (a great classic!) or Petit Le Mans, while the upcoming  talent tries to build up stamina and recognition (like  Schumacher did) by scoring in sportscar racing. Skills and passion not always meet each other at the right moment let alone the right place. Off the track the organizers and rule makers have the task and challenge to create the regulations that inspire both the privateer and manufacturers. The private entries to create a full grid, the car manufacturers to create a full bank account. This requires outstanding marketing skills!

 It does create a fantastic atmosphere around the various paddocks in the World. One will find the most wonderful people of all levels of society in a Sportscar paddock. I feel so incredibly privileged that I was able to fly all over the World and arrive at most beautiful places to find our toys in an impeccable condition nicely stalled out to have us torture the equipment in an effort to discover new technological ground that would give us the advantage over our opponents, often very good friends.

 Reading back it actually means that you find a mix of people that love cars and money. The upstream of people that want to earn it and prove themselves, and the downstream of those that spend it and want to relax at the races. And of course those that are hovering in the middle, steering their career like holding a helicopter at a steady position.

 Mix the above with a fine blend of F1 drivers that love to unwind from their political environment and one understands the aura and ‘family’ like atmosphere of Sportscar Racing.

Jan Lammers

September 09'