Sixteen-year-old Luca den Ronden claimed the ASUZ autocross championship title in Deurne on Sunday afternoon, completing a remarkable sporting comeback just three years after doctors diagnosed him with malignant bone cancer. The young driver from Helmond secured the title across a series of six races in the south of the Netherlands, celebrating his triumph with a winner’s parade lap after outpacing his competitors.
A Devastating Diagnosis and Major Surgery in Helmond
The medical ordeal began three years ago. Luca visited a hospital complaining of a painful knee following a bicycle accident, but subsequent examinations revealed malignant bone cancer.
The treatment plan required an intense course of 26 chemotherapy sessions alongside surgery to remove a joint from his knee and implant a prosthesis. Though his body initially rejected the artificial joint, it eventually accepted the hardware.
“You don’t really see anything of it, and it feels completely like my own,” Luca said. Following research confirming that the chemotherapy had done its work, medical teams cleared him to return to competitive racing.
Rebuilding Speed on the ASUZ Autocross Circuit
Luca resumed competitive racing in March of last year, gradually rebuilding his speed and racecraft over successive months.
This season, he dominated the ASUZ championship—comprising six races across the southern Netherlands—culminating in Sunday’s title-clinching performance in Deurne.
“No, I didn’t shed any tears, I’m not easily saddened,” Luca said following his championship drive. “I am mostly happy, this feels so special. I have also received so many reactions, it’s great to experience.”
He reported feeling no fear behind the wheel, relying instead on standard pre-race nerves before settling in to drive as fast as possible.
Managing Ongoing Medical Monitoring
Despite his triumph on the track, medical management of his condition remains ongoing. In November of last year, physicians discovered a metastasis in his right lung, which surgeons subsequently removed.
Luca now undergoes medical check-ups every three months.
“I feel good and I am confident that I don’t have to worry,” he said.
Stepping Up to the Dutch National Championship
With a title secured, Luca intends to expand his racing calendar next season. He plans to enter the Dutch National Championship (NK) to test himself against a broader field.
“The discharge of winning makes it even nicer of course. I don’t know fear, just some race tension from time to time. But actually I just sit down and drive away as fast as possible.”
