Marc Van der Straten, a championship-winning team owner in multiple racing series, has passed away. He was 78.
Videos by FanBuzz
According to an announcement, van der Straten passed away peacefully at his home in Switzerland on July 5. His passing prompted tributes throughout the motorsports world, which highlighted the impact he had on racing.
In memory of Marc van der Straten.
Marc van der Straten was a formidable character in the world of motorsport, and his love of everything on four and two wheels saw him form his own team, winning three Moto2 titles, the 24 Hours of Spa and the LMGTE class at the 2015 4 Hours of… pic.twitter.com/A0HoVwj0io
— European Le Mans Series (@EuropeanLMS) July 5, 2026
"SRO Motorsports Group is shocked and saddened to learn of Marc van der Straten's passing at the age of 78," a statement said. "SRO extend their sincere and heartfelt condolences to Marc's family and members of the Boutsen VDS team."
The son of a racer, van der Straten took on both automotive racing and motorcycle racing. He led multiple teams, which have achieved success to this day. Multiple teams won championships in their respective series.
ELF Marc VDS Racing Team, his Moto2 team, captured three world titles while facing off with much larger operations. This includes the championships from Tito Rabat in 2014, Franco Morbidelli in 2017, and Alex Marquez in 2019.
The Marc VDS team has also competed in the FIA GT Championship, FIA GT3 European Championship, Blancpain Endurance Series, European Le Mans Series, GT World Challenge Europe, and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. The team owner also took on the grueling Dakar Rally in 2010.
"It was with an enormous sense of pride that Marc witnessed his Marc VDS livery claim over 100 podiums in all World Championship categories, with its most recent delivered by Sam Lowes in WorldSBK at MotorLand Aragon," the Marc VDS Moto2 team said in a statement.
"Beyond being the boss, Marc was a larger-than-life character whose signature checkered flag cap made him instantly recognizable all around the globe.
"Winning was special to him, but so was his quest for excellence both on and off the track. Marc VDS isn't just a team. It's a family. And one of his great pleasures in life was seeing that family thrive and succeed through hard work and dedication.
"Marc created memories that will last forever. And we will never forget him and what he contributed to helping so many chase and fulfill their dreams in a truly remarkable life."
