head Figure for the Dutch Motocross passed away 27-02
Lierop
bastion Wim Smits passed away
Former MAC Lierop President Mr. Wim
Smits passed away on Friday, February 27, at the age of 71 due to the
consequences of a long illness. Youthstream and its President Mr. Giuseppe
Luongo, who have enjoyed an excellent cooperation with Mr. Smits organizing the
Motocross Grand Prix's throughout his 28 years of presidency, offer his family
and all his relatives their most sincere condolences for this important loss.
Mr. Wim Smits was born on the 26 of November 1937. The passionate Dutchman and
his wife Maria had one daughter and two sons, one of which was a former
Motocross World Championship rider taking one GP podium and one Dutch
Championship Title.
Once
Marc stopped racing Mr. Smits became more involved with Motocross itself,
transferring his infinite passion and great abilities to the MAC Lierop. The
organization took a big step forward once Mr. Smits started getting involved
with it as he remained the President of MAC Lierop for a long 28 year period
ending last summer, when his health problems forced him to take a step aside.
Under Wim Smits' presidency MAC Lierop saw an impressive growth inside its
organizing committee and it started to host World Championship events such as
500cc GP's, Sidecar GP's, European Championship rounds and the Motocross of
Nations.
In the recent years Lierop became a very popular venue in the Motocross World
Championship calendar and it also gave the crown to first Women's World Champion
Livia Lancelot last year. The sandy course is very much respected by the riders
due to its technical features and it is one of the best according to the opinion
of the many spectators attending every year.
All these improvements carry the mark of Wim Smits, a great man who gave his
best to the sport and never asked anything in exchange. And who will never be
forgotten.
His smile, his positivity, his intelligence and experience were just a few of
the qualities which the people working with Mr. Smits could admire and take
inspiration from.
With MAC Lierop winning the 2008 Best Organizer Award Wim Smits, the true engine
of the club, saw his beloved organization reach another goal and set an
important standard in the organization of the Grand Prix Motocross. The same
year Wim Smits received a special award for his successful career.
His important presence will be always with the sport, Wim Smits was and will
continue to be a great example to follow.
Giuseppe Luongo, the President of Youthstream, stated: "The news of Wim Smits
passing away was extremely sad for all of us, our most sincere condolences go to
his family and relatives. Youthstream and I had and will always have great
respect for Wim Smits, he was one of our best partners and we had always a
special consideration for his opinions. Wim was not just a well respected
organizer, he was also a great man with a big passion for the life and a great
will to achieve the goals he set. This means a big loss for all of us but Wim's
example and memory will remain always with us. We wish all the best to the new
MAC Lierop President Dr. Pieter-Paul Vermeulen, he has received an immense
heritage from Wim."
WIM THANKS !!!!!! Our sympathy goes to the survivor of Wim Smits.