Remembering Jack: Middelburg’s fantastic home victory.

In a season where all races so far were won by “King” Kenny Roberts, who would later go on to claim the world title, the crowd was hoping for a little more excitement. And the 1980 Dutch TT would provide exactly that, with the Tsubaki brand name proudly donning the seat cowling of the bike that went on to win the race in the skillful hands of home hero “Jumping” Jack Middelburg.       
Dutch Delight
Jack’s victory was a sum of many things Dutch. A Dutch rider claiming a home victory on a bike that was equipped with a Dutch chassis built by famous chassis builder Bakker Frames was everything Dutch fans dreamed of and more. The combination proved fast from the get-go, with Middelburg eventually taking pole position ahead of Frenchman Philippe Coulon and the American Randy Mamola. But pole position didn’t mean the same in 1980 as it does today…

Bump(y) start 
Being fastest in qualifying gave you the best spot on the grid, but in those days riders had to push-start their 500cc machines. As a result of a previous injury, one of Jack’s legs was still full of screws and pins that hindered him during his push start in such a way that he lost 20 places. But that’s when the fast pace that he had been showing throughout the weekend started to show again. 

Setting up for the win, three laps in. 
On that day, Middelburg’s Tsubaki chain certainly got a run for its money as Jack put the hammer down on his way to Dutch glory. On lap three, he took over the lead leaving American superstar Kenny Roberts no choice but to follow before having to retire due to a mechanical failure. 

A historical podium
After the blistering fast laps around the old, over six-kilometer long Assen circuit, the crowd witnessed the perfect outcome of an incredible race. Jack’s white and blue Yamaha, with our Tsubaki name proudly visible on the back, crossed the finish line first. Middelburg was joined on the podium by the Suzuki’s of Franco Ucini, later crowned the 1982 500cc World Champion, and Graziano Rossi, yes, “father of”. However, on that day in 1980, Jack Middelburg took a historic win aboard his Tsubaki-backed 500CC Yamaha. Something that we are still proud of today. 

Honoring a legend
Middelburg’s 1980 TT win comes up every now and then when iconic victories are discussed, but the most tangible homage came during the 2025 Dutch TT. 45 years after Jack got all fans on their feet, former Dutch 125 GP rider Joey Litjens treated today’s fans -some of which were there on that Saturday in 1980- to a trip down memory lane as he rode Jack’s 500CC Bakker Yamaha around the Assen Circuit during the 2025 TT Legend Parade in honor of 100 years of Dutch TT history. Still donning the Tsubaki brand name on the rear seat cowling.