Rupert Hollaus

Record type: Motorsport Biographies

Biography: Mounts: Lightweight—N.S.U.
125 c.c. —N.S.U.

Age 24, Rupert Hollaus is the youngest member of the N.S.U. team. His home is in the Austrian mountains, and he claims that his early experience of bends, steep hills and tricky roads has been invaluable in his racing career.

As the son of a garage owner Hollaus came into contact with motor cycling at a very early age an he gained his first success in a road race at the age of 18.

In 1951 he made his debut in Germany, riding a 250 c.c. Guzzi at Solitude and Freiburg, and finding these difficult courses much to his liking. A 350 c.c. Norton joined the stable in 1952, and a little while later a 125 c.c. Mondial was added, so enabling Hollaus to ride in three classes. The Guzzi, by the way, had unusual front forks design and built by Hollaus Senior.

During the 1953 season Rupert could usually be found well up with the leaders in the German races, and more often than not he was first private owner to finish. He had already been noticed by the N.S.U. talent scouts, and at the end of the season he was given a “works” ride in the Spanish Grand Prix.

In the 125 c.c. race he finished third, behind the two M.V. riders Copeta and Cecil Sandford, and in the 250 c.c. event he held the lead through torrential rain until the half-way stage. Rupert says that the twisty, difficult type of course—such as Barcelona—suits him much better than the straight, flat-out blinds found elsewhere.
(TT Special, 16 June 1954, p.17.)

#imuseumTTrider

Nationality: Austrian

Competed in

Comments