Dutch road racer last year, where he went, what he is doing nowadays and how he views the current road racing sport. Every week we bring you the best Dutch road races from last year in the section “The best Dutch road races at the time” and we ask them all a series of questions (same). This week: Peter Politec.
Who is Peter Politec?
- Noun: Peter Politics
- Nickname: Mr. Polich
- Boy: 13-7-1984
- Accommodation: Amsterdam
- partner: Sani
- Start your road racing career: 1998
- Active in: ONK 125cc, ONK / IDM / EK 250cc, ONK / IDM / EK Superbikes, Supermono, Classics in Holland and the US, Wild-Card 250cc TT Assen.
- Titles: 2 in the US while I was studying and racing there for a year
- End of road racing career: 2012
- current occupation: Director / owner of an engineering office
- Facebook social networking site: mrpolitics59 /
- Twitter: –
- Instagram: @ 59motorcycles / policy
How did you deal with road races at the time?
We used to live on an old farmhouse in Twente and my sister and I were involved in equestrian sports from an early age. My father (Peter Senior) was already involved in motorsports at the time, and he set up motorcycles and blocks, among other things, for Supermono driver Stefan Slootjes. He was still leading the rallies and off the road at the time.
In such an environment, it’s normal to quickly get a little bike under your ass and start a motocross at around the age of ten. The Yamaha TZR Junior Cup started in 1998, and it was a very logical move for us. For a few more years I tried to combine equestrian sport with motorcycle racing and road racing, but of course it didn’t work out optimally. When I was 16 years old, we left equestrian and motocross to focus entirely on road racing.
With which driver did you fight your best battles in the ring?
They aren’t necessarily drivers but specific races / fights that stay with you. There are quite a few.
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- In 2009, Bob Whithack and I were back from injuries, when we came from Bourne and together we fought to win the Champions League race the entire race. Which I finally managed to take three thousand. Great fighting and great memories.
- Pioneering the international classic race in Salzburg under changing conditions. It starts to rain heavily and overtakes it after a short fight by former world champion Phil Reed who is in a softer boat and apparently has a bigger grip. If you still have to lose to someone, that’s fine.
- Win and lose battles in the AHRMA Championship in the US with many legendary road racing names (Doug Poland, Jake Zimke, Jay Springsteen, Gary Nixon, Andrew Stroud, Dave Roper, Maria Costello)
Best motorcycle I’ve ever had and why?
’78 Ducati 900ss, because it’s pretty cool.
What is your favorite path you have taken and why?
Old TT circuit Assen with Noordlus. A long path that flows beautifully. Riding on the 250cc Grand Prix as a replacement in 2002.
What is the most outlandish and fun thing you have tried while racing?
In 1999 I participated in the Yamaha TZR Junior Cup and through the media I was allowed to participate with TZR for a few sessions in a special test on the (old) TT Circuit TT of the MuZ 500cc Grand Prix where he drove Jurgen van den Goorbergh that year.
During one of the full sessions on Veenslang at a speed of 160 km / h and driven by Jurgen on MuZ which went about 300 km / h. One of the few times I ever felt really scared on a bike.
What’s the best thing about racing?
Fond memories of the races / circuits and connections with people from Australia to the United States. One way or another, motorsport has also opened many doors for completely different things. A wonderful relationship with my dad with whom I had this whole adventure.
What did you do after your active road racing career?
She started out with a family business at Zoetermeer, Vandervelde Protection. An engineering company focused on protecting steel from corrosion in soil, water and concrete (cathodic protection). A few years ago I became a manager and owner of this.
Are you still playing sports in some way?
I occasionally do (circuit) tests and introductions to the Moto73 and Motor.nl. I also drive Trackdays and drop-offs with the Ducati 1098. I hope this year with this 12-year-old engine it clinches a point in IDC Superbikes.
What is the current driver you respect so much and why?
Danilo Petrucci. He doesn’t have the most talent, and he hasn’t followed the right path, but he has come this far completely by pushing. Commitment and pure passion without exaggerating words.
Who do you see as the greatest (currently active) road racing talent in the Netherlands and why?
Zunta van den Gorberg and Colin Figier. I think those two are the only ones with the right talent and mentorship to grow (internationally) that’s the only way to make progress at the moment. At the NK / IDM level, Ricardo Brink is of course the chief at the moment.
How do you view the current race with your experience at the national and international levels?
At the national level, the level is very disappointing. There are a few (very) fast players, but the top is pretty narrow. Also, you should definitely invest a lot in equipment for less driving and exposure time. If I can drive a 10-year-old Ducati without electronics at points, then that is actually enough. So if people really want to take international steps, then you just have to be a dedicated overseas with the right guidance and finances, just like Zonta and Collin. And then you also have to be lucky that you are not really two-headed taller than the Spaniards and Italians in adulthood.
However, if you actually switch the button and it is just for a hobby, then you can enjoy your time in different tournaments in the Netherlands and surrounding countries. This wide range of amateur leagues is, of course, great.
I think enough has already been written about the international dictatorship of our role. Personally, I think it’s a shame that with Dorna acquiring WSBK, they haven’t made Superbikes just a stock class. And this resulted in beautiful whole fields and crazy promotions.
Wed 19-05-2021: The Dutch road racer at the time: …
Due to the immense success of this column, we have decided, as the editor of Racesport.nl, to continue the “best Dutch road races at the time” after March 1. However, from March onwards, we will restrict the division to once a week and only publish it on Wednesdays so that there is no snow during race-busy weekends.
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