Rupert Hollaus: ‘Showroom’ pays tribute to Austria’s motorbike world champion

The market town of Traisen is inextricably linked with Rupert Hollau. In the early 1950s, the young motorbike mechanic set out to conquer the world of motor racing. In 1953, what was then the world’s largest manufacturer of bicycles, motorbikes and cars took notice of his extraordinary talent and signed him up for the following season.

And indeed, the NSU management had shown they had a keen eye: in 1954, Hollaus went from strength to strength in the 1/8-litre class. Following victories at the British, Irish, Dutch and German Grand Prix, he had already been crowned world champion ahead of schedule. After his team-mate Werner Hass retired from the race, he went on to win the 250cc class at the Swiss Grand Prix as well, securing second place in the final World Championship standings.

A week after his 23rd birthday, Rupert Hollaus was killed in a crash

Monza 1954: Werner Haas mit dem beschädigten Helm von Rupert Hollaus

Foto: Archiv Helmut Ohner

The year in which the young man from Lower Austria had so much to celebrate ended tragically. Just a few days after his 23rd birthday, he was involved in a crash during practice for the Grand Prix des Nations at Monza. Having set the fastest time on the previous lap, he crashed in the second Lesmo bend and sustained fatal injuries.

For days, Traisen was in the grip of this tragic event. It felt as though the whole village was mourning alongside the parents of the world champion who had lost his life. The fact that Hollaus was laid in state at Vienna’s Votivkirche so that people could bid farewell to their sporting idol shows just how highly he was regarded by the Austrian sporting community.

Topic of the week

Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring: track – hit or miss?

The people of Madrid had set their sights high for their city’s first Formula 1 World Championship race since 1981. But have the high expectations for the new Madring mixed-circuit track really been met?

Read More

TV Program

Live

Motegi: International Livestream

MotoGP World Championship

02.10.2026 - 01:55

On 18 September, he was laid to rest at the cemetery in Traisen. Alongside representatives from public authorities and the Italian Automobile Club in Monza, NSU racing director Germer and his team-mates Werner Haas, H. P. Müller and Hans Baltisberger, as well as the cream of the domestic racing elite. At the NSU factory in Neckarsulm, the conveyor belts even came to a standstill for three minutes.

This once-in-a-century talent is not forgotten, even beyond his home town

Sieben Vitrinen warten auf die interessierten Motorsportfans

Foto: Archiv Thumpser

Years ago, the market town received the estate from his descendants on permanent loan. Just in time for the centenary celebrations, a ‘showroom’ was opened a few days ago. Through his personal belongings, the sporting life of this once-in-a-century talent is showcased – from his days as a junior in local races to his time as an NSU works driver, and from his first victories at regional events to his triumphs in World Championship races.

This showroom is now open to the public at any time, subject to prior booking at the town hall. Seven display cases contain, amongst other things, a crash helmet, a leather suit, trophies, certificates and newspaper cuttings. The Austrian cabaret artist and ‘Benzinbruder’ Roland Düringer was the first visitor to call in.