Reynoldsburg, OH (July 8, 2025) — Kenda Tires is proud to celebrate the nomination of Dan Vanden Heuvel, affectionately known as “The Flying Dutchman,” into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) Class of 2025. The announcement honors not only Dan’s legendary career on the racetrack, but also his unparalleled dedication to growing and supporting the offroad racing community for nearly five decades.

A Legacy Built on Speed, Selflessness, and Service

Dan’s off-road journey began in 1977, entering his first race at just 15 years old at the iconic Crandon International Raceway. Over the next 49 years, he would etch his name into off-road history as a competitor, builder, and mentor.
Competing in legendary Midwest series such as SODA, CORR, WSORR, and TORC, Dan quickly earned a reputation for his high-flying, hard-charging driving style—earning him the nickname “The Flying Dutchman.” His racing résumé includes:

● 20+ Pro-Class Wins
● 5 Crandon World Championships
● 1 PRO-2 Championship
● Team Owner for Flying Dutchman Racing, which produced 20+ combined World and Series Championships across multiple drivers.
● Team Owner for his son, Mikey Vanden Heuvel, who delivered Kenda Tires’ first-ever PRO-2 win and first PRO Championship—a historic milestone for the brand.

Dan became a fixture on podiums, but it was his generosity, grit, and tireless support for others that made him a legend in the paddock.

 

Beyond the Finish Line – A Champion of the Community

Dan’s racing career is rivalled only by his philanthropic leadership and mentorship contributions.

Over the years, he has:

● Co-founded the Midwest Off-Road Racing (MORR) Association and served as its first president from 2009 to 2018.

● Directed contingency programs, built and maintained tracks, drove water trucks, and emceed banquets.
● Helped develop the Short Course Kart Series, creating an entry point for young off-road racers.
● Volunteered at youth and community events, including “Just Say No” school programs and local parades.
● Mentored dozens of up-and-coming drivers, giving them platforms through the Flying Dutchman Racing team.
● Alongside his wife, Nancy, co-developed the MORR Injured Driver Fund, offering support to racers and families in need.

Dan’s contributions exemplify the values that define the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame:
sportsmanship, integrity, advocacy, leadership, and community impact.

 

Kenda Motorsports and Experiential Marketing

Dan continues to embody the spirit of off-road racing in his role as Product Display Manager for Kenda Tires, drawing on his 49-year racing career to help shape the brand’s presence across the motorsports world.
He travels to every Champ Off-Road event to support Kenda-sponsored drivers, assists in the pits for Ultra4 USA and UNLTD Off-Road Racing teams, and offers help to any competitor— regardless of the tire brand they run.
Beyond the track, Dan shares his hard-earned insights directly with dealers, represents Kenda at national tradeshows, and leads hands-on recovery and guiding efforts during the brand’s annual Light Truck Boot Camps.
His presence reflects Kenda’s core values of community, grit, and an enduring passion for the sport.
“Dan is more than a legend—he is a mentor, a servant-leader, and the beating heart of the offroad community. He helped deliver Kenda’s first PRO championship and still shows up for others every single weekend. We are honored to have him represent Kenda and even more proud to call him family.”
— Brandon Stotsenburg, VP of Automotive Division, Kenda Tires USA

 

Words from the ORMHOF and Off-Road

Dan’s nomination to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame came with powerful endorsements from Hall of Fame members and respected leaders across the sport:
“Dan was instrumental in helping to start the sportsman series, giving back as his career was winding down and running the contingency program only to help the other racers.” — Curt LeDuc, ORMHOF Class of 2015

“I was one of the many Dan influenced and brought into short-course racing. He’s been a figurehead and spokesperson for grassroots racers—always finding a way to promote the sport regardless of money.” — Brad Lovell, ORMHOF Class of 2022
“While Dan is best known for being a short-course champion, his larger contributions have been as an advocate, his selfless involvement in leadership roles, and his ongoing mentorship for competitors, young and old.” — Cliff Flannery, ORMHOF Class of 2017 & President of Crandon International Raceway

 

Join Us in Honoring a Legend

The official Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place:
• South Point Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV
• Sunday, November 2nd, 2025
• 5:00 PM – Annual Gala Ceremony

The Class of 2025 includes icons whose impact shaped the sport—and Dan Vanden Heuvel is a cornerstone of that legacy. Kenda Tires extends our deepest congratulations to Dan and the entire Vanden Heuvel family for this historic and well-earned recognition.