Dutch princes compete in BMW Cup races

Dutch Princes Bernhard and Pieter-Christiaan are back at the races on Monday, when they compete in Zandvoort in the BMW 130i Cup car races. The two brothers vie for the national championship in Racing Team Holland, wich is lead by veteran Dutch car driver Jan Lammers.

It is not for kicks, Prince Pieter-Christiaan said earlier this week at the team presentation. For him it is the ultimate in car driving, testing and improving your driving skills, honing your reflexes, and learning about yourself as well.

Last year he spoke about a 'mega hobby', now it is more a fling or a passion. He likes it and wants to see how far he can get. Being part of a team makes it fun too, the prince said, since as a accomplished marathon runner he is usually all on his own.

Last year Pieter-Christiaan made the national news when he accidentially drove his car off the track. His BMW veered back on it, and another competitor, coming up from behind could not avoid a crash.

The prince still remembers it well. Very unpleasant, both the incident and all the unwanted media attention. But Pieter-Christiaan showed great reflexes as he sprinted from hi crashed car to that of fellow driver Henny van Os, who upon hitting the prince's car made a spectacular salto. Fortunately nobody got hurt.

Prince Pieter-Christiaan, who celebrated his 36th birthday on Saturday March 22nd, is hoping to move up a few notches in the Championship rankings. And he obviously would like to get ahead of his older brother Bernhard, who is racing as well.

© GPD Netherlands Press Assoction; Photos 2007 by Royal Press Europe, 2008 by Rob Henriks (GPD)