Jeroen Bleekemolen
A Dutch racing all-rounder who has conquered everything from GT endurance classics to single-seater championships.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Dutch racing driver·Birthday: October 23·Millennials
Biography
Jeroen Bleekemolen won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2007 and 2013. The Dutch driver, born in 1981, competed in Formula 3, the DTM, and sports car racing. He drove the Chrysler Viper GTS-R to multiple endurance victories, including podium finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His ability to switch between disciplines and immediately contend for wins defined a career spanning two decades. Bleekemolen also claimed the Porsche Supercup championship in 2002 and 2003.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jeroen was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jeroen Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Jeroen's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the ELF BRL V6 championship in 2005.
- Achieved significant success in the FIA GT Championship driving a Chrysler Viper GTS-R.
- Competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans multiple times across different classes.
- Is a multi-time class winner at the 24 Hours of Daytona sports car endurance race.
- Raced competitively in both the German Formula Three Championship and the DTM touring car series.
Did You Know?
His younger brother, Sebastiaan Bleekemolen, is also a professional racing driver.
He has driven for the prestigious Porsche factory team in GT competition.
His first name, Jeroen, is a common Dutch name equivalent to 'Jerome'.
He has competed in the unique Race of Champions nation-vs-nation event.
“I've raced everything from single-seaters to GT cars; the steering wheel always tells you the truth.”
