Tijmen van der Helm Bio
Tijmen van der Helm (born 26 January 2004) is a Dutch racing driver currently competing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with JDC-Miller MotorSports, driving a Porsche 963. He has gained recognition for his promising talent in endurance racing, having previously competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship with ARC Bratislava.
Early Life and Background
Tijmen van der Helm was born in Delft, Netherlands, and grew up in nearby Den Hoorn, South Holland. His father, Gerard van der Helm, influenced his career, having raced in the Dutch Volkswagen Endurance Cup. Tijmen began karting in 2013, quickly establishing himself with notable successes including a victory in the 2017 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals in the junior category and a second-place finish in the 2017 CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy.
His early exposure to motorsport and family support laid a strong foundation for his racing career. While specific details about his education are not publicly documented, his focus on racing from a young age is evident through his steady progression in competitive series.
Path to NASCAR
Although Tijmen van der Helm has not competed in NASCAR, his path has been through various single-seater and endurance racing series. He made his single-seater debut in the 2019 Formula 4 UAE Championship with Xcel Motorsport, finishing tenth overall with one win and three podiums. Later that year, he competed in the Spanish F4 Championship with MP Motorsport, securing eight podiums and finishing fourth in the standings.
In 2020, van der Helm raced in the Toyota Racing Series with Kiwi Motorsport, achieving a race victory and finishing 14th in the championship. He also participated in the Formula Renault Eurocup with FA Racing, ending the season 12th with one podium. His experience in these developmental series helped prepare him for higher levels of competition in endurance racing.
Tijmen van der Helm Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Van der Helm’s early career was marked by steady progress through junior formulae. His debut in the 2019 Formula 4 UAE Championship included a race win and multiple podiums, demonstrating his potential. That same year, he performed strongly in the Spanish F4 Championship, finishing fourth with consistent podium finishes.
In 2020, he competed in the Toyota Racing Series and Formula Renault Eurocup, gaining valuable experience in international single-seater racing. His victory in the Toyota Racing Series and a podium in the Eurocup highlighted his adaptability and skill development during these formative years.
FIA Formula 3 Breakthrough (2021)
In 2021, van der Helm stepped up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship with MP Motorsport, partnering with Alpine juniors Caio Collet and Victor Martins. Despite the competitive environment, he struggled to score points and was often behind his teammates in race results. This season was a challenging step up but provided important experience at a higher level of single-seater racing.
Sportscar Career and Endurance Racing (2022–Present)
Van der Helm transitioned to endurance racing in 2022, making his debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona. He was signed by ARC Bratislava for the FIA World Endurance Championship, partnering with Mathias Beche and Miro Konôpka. He competed in three of the first four rounds, including a notable fourth-place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with TDS Racing. ARC Bratislava later withdrew from the series due to logistical reasons.
During 2022, he also raced in the European Le Mans Series with TDS Racing x Vaillante in the Pro-Am category, finishing fourth in class and 22nd overall. In 2023, van der Helm competed in the LMP3 class at the 24 Hours of Daytona for JDC-Miller Motorsports, finishing fifth despite technical challenges. He returned to LMP2 with Panis Racing in the European Le Mans Series, finishing third in the Pro class standings.
Later in 2023, van der Helm joined JDC-Miller’s GTP program alongside Mike Rockenfeller. The team debuted in round four of the championship, achieving a best race result of fourth and finishing ninth in the standings. For the 2024 season, he remains with JDC-Miller in IMSA, partnering with Richard Westbrook full-time and Phil Hanson in endurance rounds.
Driving Style and Strengths
Tijmen van der Helm is known for his adaptability across different racing disciplines, showing strong racecraft in endurance events. His ability to manage long stints and work effectively with teammates and crew chiefs has been key to his progress in sportscar racing. He demonstrates particular strength on endurance circuits, combining speed with consistency.
Notable Races and Milestones
Van der Helm’s endurance racing highlights include a fourth-place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a top-five result at the 24 Hours of Daytona. His transition from single-seaters to sportscar racing marks significant milestones, showcasing his versatility and potential in international motorsport.
Tijmen van der Helm Career Wins
Tijmen van der Helm has secured several notable victories in his early career, including wins in karting, Formula 4 UAE, and the Toyota Racing Series. His endurance racing career is highlighted by strong finishes in prestigious events, though outright wins at the top level are still forthcoming as he continues to develop.
Formula 4 UAE and Toyota Racing Series Highlights
Van der Helm won a race in the 2019 Formula 4 UAE Championship and achieved a victory in the 2020 Toyota Racing Series. These wins were important in establishing his credentials as a competitive driver in single-seater racing.
Endurance Racing Performances
While competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series, van der Helm has earned top finishes including a fourth place at Le Mans and a podium in the European Le Mans Series Pro class with Panis Racing. These performances underscore his growing reputation in endurance motorsport.
Tijmen van der Helm Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tijmen van der Helm’s racing career was influenced by his father, Gerard van der Helm, who competed in the Dutch Volkswagen Endurance Cup. This family connection to motorsport provided Tijmen with early exposure and support in pursuing a racing career.
Personal Life
Details about Tijmen van der Helm’s personal life, including marital status or children, are not publicly available. He maintains a professional focus on his racing career.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Tijmen van der Helm is expected to continue competing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with JDC-Miller MotorSports. Building on his experience and results from previous seasons, he aims to achieve stronger finishes and contend for podiums and victories. His partnership with experienced teammates and continued development position him well for further success in endurance racing.