Our story

"After many years of organizing race championships, trackdays, teambuildings and incentives, it was time to launch something big." Founder & President Hans Van de Ven's vision has always been to unite people with the same passion. 

Hans is a proud Porschist for many years now and when the 911 Dakar launched, he felt this was going to be something exceptional. "We combined our experience of organizing automotive events, our passion for adventure and the love for the 911 Dakar." - Hans Van de Ven.

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Niels Schoenmakers, Vice President of the Dakar Owners Club, is the business partner of Hans and together they launched this club to unite people with the same passion. 

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"Our goal is to create memories that will last a lifetime and to pay tribute to the rich history and legacy behind Porsche's adventures in the Paris-Dakar Rally. Are you ready for events that will leave a mark? We sure are!" - Niels Schoenmakers.

Founding members

HANS VAN DE VEN

President

Hans is a true Petrolhead. He 

has been organizing events in the car and motorbike world for over 30 years. He's the owner of Petrolhead Days and Motorsportschool Zolder and previously was the man in charge behind the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux & Porsche Motorsport Benelux.

NIELS SCHOENMAKERS

Vice-President

Niels is a rally driver that grew up between rallycars and classic cars. He started his career in the automotive event business 10 years ago. Today, Niels organizes and supports over 200 events per year. Bonus points: his first Porsche was a 997 GT3 at the age of 25. 

ERIK VAN LOON

Club Affiliate

Erik is the godfather of our Club. He's a Dutch rallydriver and racecar collector that participated in the Dakar rally multiple times. He even managed to finish 4th overall in the 2015 edition. This makes him the most successful Dakar rally driver of the past few decades. 

ROEL GERAERTS

Founding Member

Roel is a classic car specialist that shares his passion worldwide. With his company  Car Cave, they connect Petrolheads from all over the world. Feel free to ask him about his Dakar projects or  sensational rally stories, Roel is always ready for a friendly chat.

GUY PASMANS

Founding Member

Guy, also known as GP,  is a Porschist in heart and soul. His garage is impressive, just like his passion and taste in cars.   GP loves close racing and is fearless behind the wheel. If you're ready for a wild ride, make sure to hop into the passenger seat with him and you'll understand where GP comes from.

STEPHAN SCHRAUWEN

Founding Member

Stephan is an Antwerp based Classic Porsche specialist and a good friend of Guy. With his business Stace Investment, he sells, collects and restores highly desired Porsches. From the legendary '73 Carrera RS 2.7 to all generations of the 356 and 911 Speedster. You name it, Stephan has it. 

RAF MEDAER

Founding Member

Raf is a logistic genius. As the owner of a transportation company, he has seen every road there can be found. In his off-time, he enjoys taking one his Porsches for a spin. From the Porsche Ice Driving Experiences to trackdays & roadtrips. Raf has the right DNA as he lives and breaths Porsche.