The first iteration of the Assen track was used for the 1926 Dutch TT race, following the inaugural 1925 event held on public roads through the surrounding villages of Rolde, Borger, Schoonloo and Grolloo, organized by the Motorclub Assen en Omstreken. This original track was 28.57 km (17.75 mi) long, with Piet van Wijngaarden winning the first race on a 500 cc Norton at an average speed of 91.4 km/h (56.8 mph). From 1926, the Dutch TT was held at Assen on a street) circuit encompassing De Haar, Barteldsbocht, Oude Tol, Hooghalen, Laaghalen and Laaghalerveen. Umberto Masetti set a record in 1951 with an average speed of 162.35 km/h (100.88 mph) on a 500 cc Gilera, later surpassed by Geoff Duke in 1954, reaching 170.69 km/h (106.06 mph). In 1955, a dedicated circuit was constructed, utilizing a portion of the original street circuit combined with purpose-built sections, though significantly shorter in length.
Between 1999 and 2002, the circuit underwent substantial upgrades totaling €23 million. In 1999, a new main grandstand and hospitality buildings were added. 2000 saw the construction of a new Race Control tower and 34 equipped pit boxes, alongside a new media and medical centre. Further investment of €9 million between September 2001 and April 2002 expanded the paddock area from 40 to 60,000 square metres, necessitating alterations to the Veenslang and Ruskenhoek corners. The main straight was moved 50 m (160 ft) eastwards, and a new two-lane tunnel was built to connect the paddock with the main entrance. The Mandeveen and Duikersloot corners were also moved back by 10 metres to increase run-off areas, and that section of the track was resurfaced. These changes reduced the circuit length from 6.049 to 6.027 km (3.759 to 3.745 mi). In 2005, the grandstand at the Geert Timmer corner was modified to improve gravel run-off length, being constructed in a 'floating' manner to accommodate the extra space. A fundamental redesign occurred in 2006, creating the "A-Style Assen TT Circuit", with only the finish line remaining in its original position. In 2009, a chicane was proposed at the request of the A1GP organization, but the plan was not implemented due to A1GP’s inability to continue.
Currently, the circuit hosts events including the Superbike World Championship, Supersport World Championship, Sportbike World Championship, FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship, and Moto4 Northern Cup in April. June features the Dutch TT (Grand Prix motorcycle racing), Belcar ADAC Hansa Pokal Rennen, Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, and Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup. July hosts the Truckstar Festival. August sees the Supercar Challenge Jack’s Casino Racing Day, BOSS GP, Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, IDM Superbike Championship, and TABAC Classic GP Assen. September events include the Sidecar World Championship, British Superbike Championship, British Supersport Championship, and Moto4 Northern Cup. October hosts the Supercar Challenge Finaleraces and Porsche Sprint Challenge Benelux. The circuit has also hosted the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), the European Truck Racing Championship, the FIM Endurance World Championship, and various Formula Renault and GT series. The circuit also hosted MotoE World Championship events and the Dutch eRace between 2021 and 2025.
The current track has a length of 4.555 km (2.830 mi) with a mixture of fast and slow corners. The longest straight is 560 m (1,840 ft). The circuit’s surface is known for its high grip. In 2004, plans were announced for an amusement park to the north of the track, and the northern loop was removed in 2006, shortening the track to its current length.
Yasutomo Nagai died in a crash during the 1995 Superbike World Championship. Alessio Perilli was fatally injured during the 2004 Superstock European Championship.
---
This article is based solely on the provided corpus. No external sources were consulted.
Gallery · 4 related images
