De Tijdgeest van de Racerij

The 'Horsepower Mania' project, of which this statue is a part, is a tribute to the rich history of racing in the Netherlands, with a specific focus on 'TT Circuit Assen'. This project, commissioned by Tour de TT and owned by the municipality of Assen, brings the excitement and passion of motorsport to life through various sculptures spread across the region.

One of these sculptures, called "The Zeitgeist of Racing", is located in Rolde and is a masterpiece created by artist Eiiz Gihili. This dynamic image, created in 2016, takes the viewer on a journey through time and the colors of racing. It features the legendary Marc Marquez, world famous for his racing successes and wearing number 93, as he races through a dream-like environment. Surrounded by cheering spectators and accompanied by an announcer describing his progress, Marquez represents the modern age of motorsports, where speed and agility meet.

The history

But this work of art goes beyond just modern racing; it weaves the history of 'TT Circuit Assen' into its fibers. From the legendary Piet van Wijngaarden, who was the first to cross the finish line in 1925, to the unparalleled Giacomo Agostini, who triumphed on the circuit an impressive 14 times, the picture covers a spectrum of racers who have taken to the track over the years.

It reminds us of the glory days of Jumping Jack Middelburg, who turned Assen upside down in 1980 and captured the hearts of the crowd, as well as the fearless Wil Hartog, who tore around the circuit like a white giant in 1977 and triumphed on his Suzuki. And let's not forget the charismatic Valentino Rossi, aka "The Doctor", who enchanted fans with his legendary number 46 and conquered the circuit in 1997.

But the image is not limited to just the motorcycle racers; it also includes sidecar drivers Streuer and Schnieders, who crossed the finish line first in 1987 and 1991, earning their place as true legends of the sport.

Horsepower Mania

This sculpture in Rolde, together with the other works within the 'Horsepower Mania' project, reflects the deep-rooted love and admiration for racing in the Netherlands. It is not only a tribute to the drivers who made history at 'TT Circuit Assen', but also a celebration of the excitement, passion and unforgettable moments that motorsport has produced over the years.

These are all the images in the 'Horsepower Mania' project:

1. Sculpture in Hooghalen: "Fast Invasion" This sculpture is the property of the Municipality of Midden Drenthe.
2. Sculpture in Grolloo: "Public Attraction" Property of the Municipality of Aa and Hunze.
3. Sculpture in Schoonloo: "Infinite Chain" Also owned by the Municipality of Aa and Hunze.
4. Sculpture in Assen: "Moto GP upside down" This work of art is the property of the Municipality of Assen.
5. Sculpture in Borger: "The Sweet Battle on the Circuit" Owned by the Municipality of Borger-Odoorn.
6. Sculpture in Rolde: "The Spirit of Racing" This statue belongs to the Municipality of Aa en Hunze.