Ab de Groot, eleven-time Dutch grass track champion, dies at 90

Ab de Groot, an eleven-time Dutch grass track racing champion, has passed away at the age of 90. Born in Amsterdam in 1936, De Groot moved to Blijham in 1962, where he operated a bicycle and motorcycle shop.

During the 1960s and 1970s, De Groot became a prominent figure in the Dutch grass track and speedway racing scene. He earned the nickname ‘De Vliegende Banaan’ (The Flying Banana) due to his distinctive yellow racing suit and hunched riding posture. His successes included multiple appearances in world championship qualifying competitions.

Beyond racing, De Groot was a co-founder of the Stichting Baansport Blijham, contributing to the organization and development of the sport in the region. In 2009, he and his wife moved to Canada.