Last Update: 7 September 2025
For the past two years, I’ve been keeping a thrilling secret: I’ve been editing an incredible book project that has just been published — Continental Circus: Races, Places, the People and the Faces. This extraordinary collection brings together the stunning photography of Dutch duo Jan and Hetty Burger and the compelling storytelling of my close friend, renowned Dutch motorsport journalist Frank Weeink. Frank’s words breathe life into the images, sharing the stories behind the shots. The result is nothing short of breathtaking—a “must-have” for any motorcycle racing enthusiast.
From 1970 to 1976, Jan and Hetty were part of the so-called Continental Circus, a world that raced across borders and circuits, capturing the thrill, the struggle, and the passion of motorcycle racing. Their photographs graced magazines worldwide, but beyond the track, they also documented the everyday life of the paddock. Jan’s action shots are legendary, but it’s the intimate glimpses of paddock life — the camaraderie, the challenges, the triumphs, and the heartbreak — that truly set their work apart. Along the way, they made lifelong friends and, heartbreakingly, lost too many.
Continental Circus is more than a book—it’s a window into a bygone era of racing, where the love for the sport was as intense as the danger on the track.
When Jan and Hetty left the Continental Circus, their photographs were carefully stored away in an attic, forgotten for decades. It wasn’t until two years ago, after reconnecting with motorcycle journalist and TV commentator Frank Weeink, that the idea for this book was born — a book that would capture not only the thrilling action on the track but also the life surrounding it. From more than 6,000 rediscovered images, over 400 were carefully selected for inclusion in the 192-page volume.
Continental Circus features all-time greats like Giacomo Agostini, Phil Read, Jarno Saarinen, and Barry Sheene, as well as over 20 fan favourites including Johnny Cecotto, Kenny Roberts, Jack Findlay, Tom Herron, Dave Simmonds, and Teuvo Länsivuori. True to Jan and Hetty’s vision, the book also celebrates the often-unseen heroes—mechanics, wives, and girlfriends—while taking readers on a tour of legendary circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps, the Nürburgring, Hockenheim, the Salzburgring, and Montjuich. Additional chapters explore crashes, sidecars, Formula 750 racing, and iconic motorcycles from MV Agusta, Yamaha, and Suzuki, making it a comprehensive portrait of an unforgettable era in racing.
Continental Circus: Races, And The Faces at Ease
Working on this book was an enlightening experience for me — I certainly learnt a lot (which always happens when I’m around Frank!) — and I’m confident you’ll discover just as much when you get your copy. Continental Circus is a superb contribution to motorcycle racing history, brought to life through the combined talents of Jan, Hetty, and Frank.
A heartfelt thank you to Frank for involving me, and my sincere admiration for Jan and Hetty’s remarkable work —and, of course, Frank’s always engaging and entertaining writing!
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to feeling incredibly privileged to have my name noted in the book — my “little hoek” (corner) amidst the great Continental Circus!
Order your copy here — it truly is a treasure.
