Famous personalities of Czech and world motoring – Discover fascinating journeys!

Motorsport is not just technology – it is an amazing world full of stories, successes, adventures and daring deeds. The Czech Republic has produced many important figures who have influenced the automotive industry and motorsport. Whether they are famous designers who have pushed the boundaries of technology or racers whose driving fascinates people. Join us as we explore their stories and find out who is behind the most famous brands and legendary performances in rallying, Dakar or on famous race tracks.

Václav Laurin and Václav Klement – founders of a Czech automotive legend

The story of Czech motoring would not be complete without the duo of Václav Laurin (27 September 1865, Kamení u Pěnčína – 3 December 1930, Prague) and Václav Klement (16 October 1868, Velvary – 13 August 1938, Mladá Boleslav). These two entrepreneurs began their collaboration at the end of the 19th century, initially manufacturing bicycles under the Laurin & Klement brand. They soon moved on to producing motorcycles and eventually cars, which led to the creation of the Škoda Auto car manufacturer. Their cars were successful not only on the racetrack, but also in the eyes of customers. Laurin was exceptionally talented in technical matters, while Klement excelled in the business sphere. Together, they created a brand that became a symbol of Czech industry and innovation. You can visit the Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav, where their legacy is presented in all its glory.

Ferdinand Porsche – famous car designer

The name Ferdinand Porsche (1875–1951) is known throughout the automotive world. This inventor from Vratislavice nad Nisou contributed to many fundamental technical advances, from early electric vehicles to the popular “Beetle” model and the first Porsche sports cars. His work is known for its ability to combine technical precision, performance and timeless elegance. Porsche’s legacy continues to influence the design of modern sports cars, and his original engineering ideas have given rise to one of the most iconic car brands in the world.
The house where Porsche was born now serves as a museum honouring his life and the further development of automotive technology. The Porsche brand is currently one of the technological leaders in the field of sports and electric cars. An interesting fact is that the brand’s communication in 28 markets in Central and Eastern Europe and other regions is handled by the Czech agency FLO, which is involved in creating campaigns, content and ensuring brand consistency across different countries.

František Janeček – Czech visionary of more than just two wheels

Designer František Janeček (23 January 1878, Klášter nad Dědinou – 4 June 1941, Prague) was a brilliant inventor who became famous for the Jawa brand. Although Janeček started out as an armourer, his real passion was the motorcycle and automotive industry. During the First Republic, he founded the Jawa company, whose motorcycles and automobiles were among the most technically advanced products of their time. Janeček had dozens of patents to his name and supported advanced technological processes. Jawa remains a legend of Czech industry and motorsport to this day. Come and learn more about it at various motorcycle museums.

Eliška Junková – the queen of the steering wheel who charmed the world

During the interwar period, the legendary Czech racing driver Eliška Junková (16 November 1900, Olomouc – 5 January 1994, Prague) raced around European circuits. She was the first woman to win a Grand Prix against male competitors. She gained the most popularity in the Targa Florio race in Sicily, where she led almost the entire starting field in 1928 and eventually finished in fifth place. Today, Eliška and this race are commemorated by a range of premium lemonades from Kofola. Junková raced mainly for Bugatti and became an icon of courage, speed and elegance. After the tragic death of her husband Čeněk Junk, she ended her racing career, but remained loyal to motor racing until old age. Her story is a symbol of female strength and determination, which continues to fascinate us.

Josef Sodomka – master of automotive elegance

Czech coachbuilder and designer Josef Sodomka (7 June 1904, Vysoké Mýto – 9 June 1965, Vysoké Mýto) imbued cars with elegance and luxury. At his company, Carrosserie Sodomka, he produced perfectly aesthetic designs for Aero, Škoda, Tatra and Praga cars. His work was renowned not only for its beautiful appearance, but also for its high quality craftsmanship. After 1948, his company was nationalised and transformed into the well-known Karosa enterprise. Today, his legacy is commemorated by the Museum of Czech Car Body Manufacturing in Vysoké Mýto, where you can see Sodomka’s amazing car bodies.

Karel Loprais – six-time king of Dakar

Car racer and six-time winner of the Dakar Rally in the truck category, Karel Loprais (4 March 1949, Ostrava – 30 December 2021, Nový Jičín) is a legend of Czech motorsport. The racer, nicknamed “Monsieur Dakar”, became famous behind the wheel of a Tatra truck, with which he won this famous desert competition six times. The name Loprais is synonymous with endurance, courage and technical perfection. In 2017, he received a state award, the Medal of Merit, for his achievements in representing the Czech Republic. His successes helped popularise the Tatra brand on the international scene and inspired future generations of Czech racers.

Aleš Loprais – continuing the family legend

Aleš Loprais (* 10 January 1980, Olomouc) followed in his uncle’s footsteps, joining Karel Loprais as a navigator during the 2006 Dakar Rally. Aleš inherited not only talent, but also a great passion for motorsport, and today he spreads the glory of the Czech flag in the most difficult conditions. As the heir to the family tradition in Dakar, he has achieved several high rankings in his Tatra truck, and his goal remains overall victory.

Martin Macík – Dakar showman and fighter

One of the prominent faces of the current Dakar is Martin Macík (born 23 April 1989, Benešov). This charismatic racer and showman has placed several times at the top, thanks to both his excellent performance and his unique style, which entertains fans. Under the MM Technology team banner, he builds his own racing trucks and pushes the boundaries of Czech motorsport. Dakar is a matter close to his heart, and he never gives up, no matter how challenging the conditions.