Herman Roosdorp was a Dutch racing driver who lived a long period of his life in Belgium. He was born on 19 April 1895. He started as a house painter before becoming a car dealer. He was the first Dutch man to buy a Ferrari. In Antwerp (Borgerhout) he owned a garage and was dealer for Vanguard. His daughter Anni Roosdorp did also pursue a racing career.

Racing Driver

Herman was a racing driver who raced mainly between 1949 and 1954, mostly in Ferraris. During these years, recording a number of good results, including a wins and numerous podiums finishes, with the majority of these at national events. His greatest racing achievement, when partnered by Toni Ulmen, he finished third in the 24 Heures de Spa Francorchamps. He introduced the Coupe Roosdorp or Roosdorp Cup, that was awarded to the driver of the day during the National races at Zandvoort. A group of journalists chose this driver.

Racing record

Career highlights

Season Series Position Team Car 1949 DMV Grenzlanringrennen 2nd Herman Roosdorp Ferrari 166 SC Großer Preis von Nürburgring 3rd Herman Roosdorp Veritas-BMW RS 1950 12 heures de Paris 3rd Herman Roosdorp Ferrari 166 MM 1953 24 Heures de Spa Francorchamps http://www.racingsportscars.com/results/Spa-1953-07-26.--html 3rd Herman Roosdorp Jaguar C-Type

Complete 24 Hours of Spa results Year Team Co-Drivers Car Class 1949 Herman Roosdorp Adolf de Ridder Ferrari 166 MM S2.0 8th 8th 1953 Herman Roosdorp Toni Ulmen Jaguar C-Type S 3rd 3rd

Complete 12 Hours of Paris results Year Team Co-Drivers Car Class 1950 Herman Roosdorp André Pilette Ferrari 166 MM S2.0 3rd 2nd

References