dholda-racing

history

1934

It all began more than 70 years ago, in 1934 to be exactly, when the family Petrus D'Hollander – Van Haver (grandfather) started a small bicycle and mopeds business. Petrus, specialised in building bicycle frames was an excellent tradesman. His business became quite renowned for it so that in no time it blossomed.

1958

Jean (father) joined the company in 1958. That time the main activities of the company were repairing bicycles and mopeds.

1965

It wasn't until the years 65-66 that the motorcycle became affordable to everybody, especially the models 250, 350 and 450cc. Anyone could ride a bike, according to their own capacities and wealth.

Through years of experience and good functioning, the reputation in the region of Moerzeke & surrounding is getting better.

1970

The shop got a wider spread reputation due to the successful DHOLDA RACING TEAM, which was set up in 1970 and is a dreaded opponent to other contestants.

1978

DHOLDA, a contraction from D'Hollander & Honda, sets very good results especially in the Endurance competition and victories in the 24 hours of Francorchamps (1978 & 1979), victory in the 600 km from Zandvoort, Vice-European champion, etc...

During many years, the team fits the top 5 in their speciality.
YearCircuitRankCountry
197424 hrs Francorchamps
1000 Km Mettet
3
4
Belgium
Belgium
1975600 Km Zandvoort
1000 Km Mugello
24 hrs Barcelona
24 hrs Francorchamps
5
5
7
8
Netherlands
Italië
Spain
Belgium
1976Zandvoort
24 hrs Francorchamps
4
4
Netherlands
Belgium
1977Zandvoort
1000 Km Mettet
24 hrs Barcelona
Bol D'Or
2
3
5
6
Netherlands
Belgium
Spain
France
197824 hrs Francorchamps
1000 Km Mettet
24 hrs Barcelona
1
3
3
Belgium
Belgium
Spain
197924 hrs Francorchamps
1000 Km Mettet
Bol D'Or
1
3
6
Belgium
Belgium
France
198024 hrs Francorchamps9Belgium

1980

Early eighties it becomes quiet at the DHOLDA-team when road racing is concerned. Jean is still focussing on the race but this time preparing motorcycles for several teams. His interest in other motor sports made Eddy Lejeune and Japanese champion Kiyoteru Hattori frequently visit Moerzeke for advice and action from Jean.

1984

ATC trikes set foot on the European market in 1984 and a DHOLDA-team is formed to enter these contests. The team achieves many Belgian titles and because of victories such as Baja 1000 (Spain), beach race in Scheveningen (NL), super trike in Mettet, 3-hours of Paris, … the get to be the top team in their discipline.

Even with the entrance of the Quad, the victory list goes on because of Jean succeeding in tuning up his 250cc machine so that is even faster then the 500cc machines of most competitors.

During this period more and more specialisation comes in order, special materials are bought or even home made and the mechanics floor is a definite example both national and international.

DHOLDA now has a department where 'exclusive parts' are produced, as well as adjustments, repairs and preparations, rebuilding tourism, sport and racing machines.

The machine for power testing gets a computer added to keep track of all possible details. The Flow Bench prepares the cylinder heads, cylinders, air filters,...

Upon HRC Japan (Honda's racing departement) request tools are developed for revising the racing-crankshaft of the 500cc GP machines. This makes DHOLDA the ONLY company in the WORLD who actually does these revisions!

1988

As of 1988 DHOLDA enters the racing network. They became Belgian Champion & Belgian Vice Champion in the open class with Paul Ramon & Dieter Heinen.

At that moment the company builds its revenue from sales and maintenance of motorcycles, mopeds & power products but also from the delivery of racing-parts and bike tuning.

1989

This brings us to the year 1989 where computer investments are made for better administration and storage of over 1000 different parts.

The year 1989 also offers the possibility to start a team together with Stéphane MERTENS for a go at the World Championship Superbike. Several test at the Suzukacircuit in Japan shows that Stéphane, the Mediares-team and DHOLDA are ready for the challenge.

Stéphane MERTENS achieved 2nd place, becoming the Vice-World Champion Superbike. He missed first place by an inch because of a broken disc brake in the last race. The following year, upon Honda Japan's request DHOLDA gives it another go where Stéphane finishes 3rd.

1990

1990 was also the year where we decided to expand our current workshop with an area solely for testing motor blocks.

Early 90's Mike & Peggy (son & daughter) join the company. Mike gets further technical training where Peggy takes on the administrative tasks. The future of DHOLDA is safe.

Next title, the European championship in 1991 (Spain) with Luis D'Antin and Belgian Champion Superbike & Supersport with Michel Simul (Belgium).

1992

In 1992 DHOLDA wins the 'Vice-Belgian Champion title' with Michaël PAQUAY (Belgium).

1993

Back for some more European business in 1993. European Champion Supersport 600 with Michaël PAQUAY (Belgium) and vice-European Champion Supersport 600 with Yves BRIGUET (Switzerland).

1994

In 1994 DHOLDA claims the first 3 places at the European Championship Supersport 600: Yves BRIGUET (CH) Champion, Christian ZWEDORN (AU) second and Fred BAYENS (AUS) third, all riding Honda CBR 600 bikes tuned by DHOLDA!

1995

That brings us to 1995 where DHOLDA takes on a new class in the THUNDERBIKE. The season started absolutely fine until halfway father Jean is taken ill. From that moment it was up to Mike to prepare the engines.

After a consuming illness of 3 months, the death of Jean stunned us all. A very tough and difficult period. As long as Jean was there he could support and advise us mentally. But with his death one could only relish the beautiful, unforgotten moments we spent together. Even though our training was way too short, because of the excellence of the mentor we managed to learn a huge amount of the business.

Our father wasn't easy as a teacher; we had to do even better than excellent. Thank god he taught us these principles which we now carry with us day in day out. But… life goes on...

For us, Mike & Peggy, the moment of truth to fulfil our fathers dream was there: keep those engines running, here and in the rest of the world.

He was very demanding, not very expressive in praise and quite critical. Now we now why and we thank him with all our heart.

RESULTS THUNDERBIKE 1995

Vice-championYves BRIGUETSwitzerland
3° placeStéphane MERTENSBelgium
4° placeFred BAYENSAustralia
7° placeWilco ZEELENBERGNetherlands
10° placeChristian ZWEDORNAustria

Also Champion of the Dutch Open with Wilco ZEELENBERG.

1996

In 1996 HONDA JAPAN, the pilots and their teams regained trust into DHOLDA, asking our support for the forthcoming THUNDERBIKE.

Resultaten thunderbike 1996

Vice-ChampionYves BRIGUETSwitzerland
4° placeStéphane MERTENSBelgium
10° placeWilco ZEELENBERGNetherlands

Our Austrian pilot, Christian ZWEDORN, was less fortunate. A huge crash in the 1st race of the Austrian Championship also took them out of the THUNDERBIKE race that year.

The other Dholda tuned CBR drivers got pretty good results with another Vice-European championship title for Yves Briquet. Stéphane Mertens came in fourth en Wilco Zeelenberg tenth.

Besides the THUNDERBIKE race, Stéphane MERTENS became Champion of the Dutch Open & Wilco ZEELENBERG came in third, both riding a HONDA CBR 600 tuned by DHOLDA.

1997

In 1997 the THUNDERBIKE race changed into WORLD CUP SUPERSPORT where our famous Belgian pilot Michaël PAQUAY, thanks to the cooperation and support of Honda Europe, joined the Austrian team. Some beautiful results were achieved such as the victory in Hockenheim making him leader of the championship. But due to a few fallbacks, Michaël PAQUAY finally ended 6th.

Also in 1997 DHOLDA started its partnership with the MOTO 1 team where Louis WUYTS was Belgian pilot. The Belgian championship in Supersport 600 and vice-championship Bott, both won by Louis could be added to the list.

1998

1998 had another dark period for DHOLDA. Michael PAQUAY tragically lost his life during the second race of the World Cup Supersport qualifications in Monza (Italy).

But they cashed in their Belgian championship at the Supersport 600 and BOTT (VTR1000) with Louis WUYTS.

1999

In 1999, Pere RIBA (Spain) became our pilot in the Castrol Honda Team for the World Championship SUPERSPORT. Pere RIBA encountered quite some bad luck en closed his season at a 13th place.

For the Belgian team however, DHOLDA together with the MOTO 1 team and Louis WUYTS became Belgian Champion Supersport 600 and Belgian Freebike Champion with a CBR900.

2000

That brings us to the year 2000 with another cooperation between MOTO 1 and Louis WUYTS, resulting in another Belgian Championship Supersport 600 and 3rd place at the Freebike.

The previous season of difficulties lingered on for Pere RIBA in the Castrol Honda Team with a closure at the 13th spot.

2001

In 2001 the cooperation between MOTO 1 team and Louis WUYTS continued. Additionally a new partnership was set with the Belgian BKM Team with Kevin CURTAIN and Ivan GOI for the WC SUPERSPORT.

Meanwhile we've also been active within the Spanish championship.

Results were satisfying to good: Quim RODA achieved 6th place in the Spanish Championship, Kevin CURTAIN became fifth on World level and Louis WUYTS once again achieved the title of Belgian Champion SUPERSPORT with a machine fine tuned by the DHOLDA team.

To optimise our customer service, Peggy's desk is fully refurbished.

2002

In 2002, the co-operation with the Belgian BKM Team for the World Championship SuperSport continues. However, the pilots did change where the Frenchman Christophe Cogan took the lead supported by several drivers such as Ivan Goi, David De Gea,...

For the Spanish Championship SuperSport, an additional co-operation with the Spanish Monlau and Pro Curve Team is set. David Garcia, Lucas Oliver and Guim Roda act as pilots where Roda becomes Vice-Champion.

The winter season is ideal for taking a step forward learning from the year before. Our workshop gets fully refurbished as is most of our work tools. Making us worthy to say we have one of the best equipped European workshops.

Unfortunately due to health reasons our technician Gilbert has to retire, after more then 35 years of service. A big thank you for a job well done ! Gilbert is replaced by Wim who can look back on more then 20 years of Honda experience.

2003

In 2003 we re-establish our co-operation with the Belgian BKM Team for the World Championship SuperSport. Pilots are Broc Parkes and Christophe Cogan. Unfortunately due to financial reasons, the season is prematurely ended.

In Spain we team up with the Pro Curve Team and pilot Gium Roda for the Spanish Championship Formula Extreme.

2004

In 2003, after the financial setback of the BKM team not being able to settle their payments for work delivered, we decided to team up with the Belgian Pilot Sébastien le Grelle for the Belgian and World Championship SuperSport for 2004.

That same year we launched the CNR team in Spain with pilots Joseph Sarda and David Garcia to challenge the Formula Extreme Championship. Fingers crossed.

Unfortunately the year 2004 didn't deliver the expected ! The Spanish CNR-Team had to redraw from the race season due to, yet again, financial trouble ! Luckily Sébastien le Grelle became Belgian Champion Supersport and achieved several rankings in the WC Supersport.

2005

In 2005 Dholda started another ambitious plan by accepting the offer to prepare engine blocks for the Austrian Klaffi team during the World Champion Super Bike represented by pilots Max Neukirchner & P.F. Chili. The managed to secure the 10th and 12th position. Knowing this was his first Super Bike year, an excellent result for Max.

Dholda also signed a contract with the young Frenchmen Maxime Berger (MBE Team) to support him during the Stock 600 championship resulting in 6 podium seats (1 victory) out of 10. This gave him a final result of being 3rd.

Also worth mentioning is the co-operation with our Belgian pilot Sébastien le Grelle. He eagerly started the World Championship Supers port but unfortunately had to pull out due to financial issues!

Halfway during the World Championship Super sport another contract got sealed with the Czech K.L. Intermoto Team.

The Glaner Castrol Honda Team, more specifically Joan Lascorz raced with Dholda prepped engine block during the Spanish Championship. The first for this 19 year old pilot finishing 6th.

At the end of the season we got contacted by the Dutch Racing Team 'Race against Cancer'. This foundation received sponsoring with every point won during the Dutch Championship. The money is then used for organising events for young cancer patients. An initiative worth Dholda's extra effort, hence the last race was driven on Dholda motor cycles.

As you can read, a busy year with some excellent results!

2006

In 2006 we continue working with the Austrian Klaffi Team for the World Championship Superbike with nobody else but front man Alex BARROS!

Klaffi has also harboured a second pilot with DHOLDA being Martin FINNIGAN, specifically for street races such as the world famous Isle of Man TT races.

DHOLDA will also keep on tuning the Czech Team K + L Intermoto team during the WC Supersport with pilots William DE ANGELIS and Mathieu LAGRIVE. The European Championship STK600 is piloted by Jan PRUDIK.

On top of that, DHOLDA is tuning the Spanish Glaner Team with pilot Joan LASCORZ during the Spanish Championship Supersport & Xavi RODRIGUEZ during Supermotard.

The famous 'Race against Cancer' team had DHOLDA tune its engines during the Dutch Championship Superstock 600, driven by Henri VAN GERESTEYN & Marco VAN GROOTHEEST during the Dutch Superbike.

We are also very pleased to inform you that our very own Stéphane MERTENS will be racing a by DHOLDA tuned engine during the Bikers Cup.

It is the end of the year 2006.

Alex Barros
Alex Barros
Xavi Rodriguez
Xavi Rodriguez

A season that produced some good results: titles for Stephane Mertens and Xavi Rodriguez and also a few honorable positions for Alex Barros at the WC Superbike.

2007

Yet, time goes on and negotiations for 2007 are close to finalisation. Below a list of teams and their pilots with whom DHOLDA will work during 2007.

Alto evolutionKarl MuggeridgeWC superbike
GlanerJoan Lascorz
Xavi Rodriguez
WC supersport
SC supermotard
K+l intermotoPatrik VostarekEC stock 600
Racen tegen kankerRon van Steenbergen
Henri Van Geresteyn
ONK superbike
ONK supersport
Ping-pong racing teamGian MertensONK stock 600

DHOLDA remains active as tuner during the WC Superbike however this time for the Alto Evolution team as the Klaffi Tea decided to end their racing activities.

Due to Joan Lascorz's 5th position in the SC Supersport during the 2006 season, the team decided to continue next year's activities at the WC Supersport. This is a major step yet thanks to Joan's talent the team is confident that the future looks promising. Patrik Vostarek is also piloting his first international season so a year of learning is at hand.

DHOLDA has also undergone some major changes. My sister Peggy decided to pull out of the business hence my, fairly quickly made, decision to continue however solely as tuner and under a new name DHOLDA RACING. Sales and maintenance of motor cycles and power products is dropped where tuning specialized in Honda is expanded.

The "fairly quickly" does require some extra explanation from my side. It has always been my childhood dream to have my own "race shop" and tuning business. And the people who know me, will second the fact that I am actually not a born salesmen and that selling is just not my thing. I would like to thank all of my customers for their confidence and I do hope to occasionally bump into many of you whenever you wish to adjust your motorcycle.

The year 2007 went by in a blink and as predicted it turned out to be quite a hectic year with its ups and downs for Joan and Patrik. This not only a figure of speech but it is fun to see some of their "excellent driving skills" throughout the year.

Even the Alto team had difficult times because setting up a brand new team in the shortest of timeframes is not all that easy. The more impressive is their list of excellent results.

In the SC Supermotard Xavi did not manage to extend his title but he did manage to close the season with a well deserved 3rd place.

Mugge Ridge
Mugge Ridge
Ron van Steenbergen
Ron van Steenbergen

Team Racing against Cancer also took a step forward in the ONK due to Ron ending 3rd.

2008

With the new DHOLDA (RACING) up and running the current infrastructure needs an uplift. Therefore I have decided to refit the shop to better "fine tune" with my activities. Construction works will start in June and will take approximately 1 year to finalise.

In 2007 DHOLDA prepared some engine blocks for one pilot of the Alto Evolution Team and the team decided to extend this co-operation to the second pilot as well. The pilots are S. Aoyama and L. Morelli.

Also for the Glaner team and Racing against Cancer team we have some additionals on the programme. Glaner will send J. Lascorz and S. Barragan to the WC Supersport and X. Rodriguez takes a step towards WC Supermotard. Racing against Cancer will have a staggering 5 pilots at the ONK being R. van Steenberger, our fellow Belgian S. Vermonden, W. van Nieuwenhuizen, M. van Nieuwenhuizen and W. Hommerson.

S. Aoyama
S. Aoyama
P. Vostarek
P. Vostarek

P. Vostarek is eager to start the following year aiming at a top 3 seat. DHOLDA has been asked to prepare their engine blocks. Finally, Gian Mertens is going for the Supersports in the ONK.

P. Vostarek with his 3 consecutive wins has proven to be fully ready for the WC Supersport. He finished the championship in 4th place.

End of 2008

I am pleased to say that 2008 was a very good year for DHOLDA. J. Lascorz with 4 stage seats (including 1 victory), ending his year as 5th. He actually led the list for a while.

Even in the ONK championship excellent results were noted from engine blocks tuned by DHOLDA. During the Dutch Superbike Championship, Sepp ended up 3rd, Ron 4th and Wesley 13th. In the Dutch Supersport Championship Ron ended up 3rd, Marcel 6th and William 10th. Marcel also received the reward "rookie of the year". Gian managed to get his first points this year.

Unfortunately the WC Superbike provided many trials and errors with average to very well below average scores.

Joan Lascorz
Joan Lascorz
Joan Lascorz op podium
Joan Lascorz op podium

2009

The year 2009 is all about innovation. The previous workshop/parking lot has been refurbished to a brand new "race shop". I am now the happy owner of a brandnew "engine-room", including a separate area for preparing cylindre heads and a "dyno-room". Also a new office and lounge area where one can admire DHOLDA motorcycles from times gone by. Do I need to tell you again how proud I am?

Also on the tuning front a lot has happened. Below a list of teams and pilots with whom I co-operate.

TEAMCHAMPIONSHIPRIDERWEBSITE
Pro Ride SuperbikeWK SuperbikeGregorio Lavillawww.gregoriolavilla.com
www.proridesbk.com
Le Grelle in ActionBK Superbike
BK Supersport
BK Endurance
NK Superbike
NK Supersport
IDM Supersport
Sebastien Le Grelle
Stephane Mertens
www.sebastien-legrelle.com
www.stephanemertens.com
K+L IntermotoEK Stock 1000Stoklosa Mateuszwww.klintermoto.cz
Racing against cancerONK Supersport
ONK Superbike
IDM Supersport
IDM Superbike
Sepp Vermonden
Bas Winkel
Rob Hakvoort
Ronald ter Braake
William Hommersom
www.racentegenkanker.nl
www.seppvermonden.com
www.baswinkel.nl
www.robhakvoortracing.nl
www.ronaldterbraake.com
www.hommersomracing.nl
Ping Pong Racing TeamONK SupersportGian Mertenswww.gianmertens.be
Romain RacingZwitsers Ch. Stock 1000Romain Heimannwww.romain-racing.ch
Holiday Gym RacingEK Stock 1000Santiago Barraganwww.holidaygymuniversity.com
www.santiagobarragan.com
Coutelle Junior TeamEK Stock 1000Michaël Savarywww.coutellejuniorteam.com
www.michaelsavary.ch

Unfortunately the Superbike 2009 turned out badly. Despite Proride best attempts of signing a contract with pilot G. Lavilla, getting through the first tests of the season, the activities stopped there.

The European Stock 1000 championship gave Santiageo "Barrygun" Barragan some good results. Sepp Vermonden and Ronald ter Braake where the ones who captured the results for "Race against Cancer" with a 4th place in the ONK finals.

Sebastien Legrelle was again the best in the BK Supersport as Superbike. Thank you Seb for adding 2 more Belgian titles to DHOLDA's records. Together with Stephane Mertens Seb also finished first on the first 4 races of "the Belgian Endurance Championship". Unfortunately during the fifth race the, a small production error of the compression piston forced them to hand over their first position. No matter what technology, racing is still is a mechanical sport and we have to humbly endure its accidental errors.

2010

For 2010 I am happy to reveal my co-operation with new Belgian Talent, Bastian Mackels, of whom I have hight expectations. I will also work together for the first time with Xavier Simeon, one of the major Belgian talents ever since.

Mr. Patrick Vostarek returned for its tuning as he's about the enter the German IDM Supersport championship. I will also continue to work for Sebastien Legrelle, Gian Meretens, Santi Barragan, Rob Hakvoort and William Hommerson and the Proride team (despite the fact that sponsoring is still a major problem).

Finallly, DHOLDA participated in the 4h Bikers Classics race with our "Dream Team". Stephane Mertens and Didier de Radigués confirmed to race using an "old" DHOLDA.

TEAMCHAMPIONSHIPRIDERWEBSITE
Pro Ride Superbike
Not started the season because of sponsor problems
WK SuperbikeMakoto Tamadawww.proridesbk.com
Le Grelle in ActionBK Superbike
BK Supersport
BK Endurance
NK Superbike
NK Supersport
Sebastien Le Grellewww.sebastien-legrelle.com
Fun Concept Bike TeamBK Supersport
NK Supersport
IDM Supersport
Bastien Mackels 
SWPNONK Superbike
IDM Superbike
Rob Hakvoort
William Hommersom
www.wegracepromotie.nl
www.hommersomracing.nl
www.robhakvoortracing.nl
Ping Pong Racing TeamONK SupersportGian Mertenswww.gianmertens.be
Vosty RacingIDM SupersportPatrik Vostarekwww.vosty.com
Holiday Gym RacingCEV Moto2Xavier Simeonwww.xaviersimeon.be
Extremadura Junior TeamCEV Stock ExtremeSantiago Barraganwww.marcaextremadurajuniorteam.com
3C MotosFR SupersportJimmy Sallaberrywww.roueslibres.fr
DHOLDA Classic TeamClassic 4h of
Spa Francorchamps
Stephane Mertens
Didier de Radiguès
www.stephanemertens.com
www.deradiguesschool.com

Thus far DHOLDA (hi)story.

I would like to thank my customers, pilots and team for their trust and confidence.

--Mike