TT Circuit Assen
The Cathedral of Speed
The TT Circuit Assen is a motorsport race track built in 1955 and located in Assen, Netherlands. Host of the Dutch TT, it is popularly referred to as "The Cathedral of Speed" by motorcycle racing fans. The venue has the distinction of holding the most Grand Prix motorcycle races every year (except ) since the series was created in . It has a capacity of 110,000 spectators, including 60,000 seats. Since 1992, the circuit has also been part of the World SBK calendar except for the 2020 season.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Assen, Drenthe, Netherlands
- Capacity
- 110,000
- Owner
- Stichting Circuit van Drenthe
- Opened
- 11 July 1925 (as Van Drenthe Street Circuit); 16 July 1955 (as Modern Circuit)
- Closed
- 1954 (for Van Drenthe Street Circuit)
- Layout
- Grand Prix Circuit (2006–present)
- Turns
- 18
- Record time
- 1:17.109
Lore & Background
The original Assen track was first used for the 1926 Dutch TT race, after the first 1925 event was held on country roads through the villages of Rolde, Borger, Schoonloo and Grolloo. The brick- and semi-paved track had a length of 17.75 mi. The winner was Piet van Wijngaarden on a 500 cc Norton with an average speed of 91.4 km/h. From 1926 on the Dutch TT was held at Assen on a street circuit through De Haar, Barteldsbocht, Oude Tol, Hooghalen, Laaghalen and Laaghalerveen. In 1951 the Italian Umberto Masetti took the record on a 500 cc Gilera with an average speed of 100.88 mph. In 1954, Geoff Duke of Great Britain reached 106.06 mph. The circuit remained unchanged until 1955, when a whole new circuit was built by using a third of the original street circuit, joined with purpose-built sections, but less than a third of the length and much more like a modern road racing circuit.
Reader's Guide
The current track has a length of 4.555 km with the mixture of super fast flat-out and slow corners. The longest straight is 560 m. The curves in Assen were traditionally banked and the surface is extremely grippy, so the riders were able to drive much faster on the course than other circuits. Today these sloped or curved bends have been modified due to safety issues.
Did You Know?
- The circuit was built in 1955 and initially had a length of 7.705 km.
- Only one section of the circuit is original; the finish line never moved.
- In 2006 the northern loop was removed and the length was shortened to 4.555 km.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nickname and significance of TT Circuit Assen?
It is universally revered as the Cathedral of Speed due to its deep historical roots in motorcycle racing. This venue holds the unique distinction of being the oldest circuit still hosting a Grand Prix on its original site.
When did Assen first participate in the MotoGP World Championship?
The circuit hosted its inaugural official Grand Prix race in 1949 as part of the very first season of the World Championship. This early involvement cements its status as a foundational pillar of professional motorcycle racing history.
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