Portrait Series: Bernie

Tell us about your passion for cars

My passion is car racing, both virtual (gaming) and real-life. During Formula 1 weekends, I’ll race the same event scheduled for that weekend on my computer – going through the practice sessions, qualifying sessions and then a race that lasts about an hour. Through the game, I learn about the technical challenges and the beauty of each circuit.

I also take road trips in my own car and enjoy seeking out twisty mountain passes, like the Stelvio Pass. Driving in a sporty way, but always safely and responsibly. I’ll regularly take my car to the track too, and have driven on nearly every circuit in and around the Netherlands.

A few times a year, i’ll take sick children around the track for a ride, which allows me to share my passion in a meaningful way by giving them an unforgettable day and experience.

When did your love for cars begin?

As a child, I was already fascinated by beautiful cars. My love for racing started when racing wheels for computers and Formula 1 games became popular, sometime around 1996. My brother and I shared that passion and often raced together on computers. We would talk about our plan to one day buy our own sports cars. Eventually, we took the plunge: my brother bought a Porsche, and I got a Lotus Elise. Our idea was simply to have fun with our cars, and soon we were heading to the mountains for our first road trip together. Today, I also drive a Porsche myself.

What’s your ultimate dream car?

That would be a bright red Ferrari 812, my childhood dream. It’s an amazing car to sit in, with a beautiful sound and loads of horsepower. Another dream car is the Porsche 911 GT3, in orange. I regularly drive that car in the game Project Cars. In Project Cars, you can drive almost any car you want. I use it to prepare for circuits I plan to visit in real life. It helps me get to know the corners, braking points and ideal racing lines. The real-life experience is a bit different, but it’s useful for preparation.

We’re sure you have many, but what’s your most memorable car experience?

My most memorable experience was my first 6 day road trip with my brother. We planned out the entire route, driving from hotel to hotel, covering about 400 kilometres a day on fast mountain roads. It was an incredible first trip that deepened both of our loves for driving.

Does racing cars challenge you personally?

Yes. It challenges me to continuously improve my skills. I experiment and discover what does and doesn’t work. A perfect lap or a well-executed corner gives an incredible adrenaline rush, almost like a personal victory. It feels euphoric!

How does you passion for car racing inform your work?

I’m always looking for improvements. I test things out, see what does and doesn’t work, and explore whether something can be faster, better, or more reliable. This drive to improve runs through both my work and my passion for cars and racing cars. My strength lies in process optimisation, which I apply both at work and on the track, and I always strive to get the best out of myself. I can accept not being the best, as long as I’ve given it my all. I love speed, I’m not afraid to take calculated risks or make mistakes, and I have strong analytical skills.

These qualities benefit me both in my work and on the roads!

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