Jacques Frumholtz, who raced trucks at the Paris–Dakar Rally in 1980 and 1983, passed away on March 16. He was 88 years old.

Frumholtz worked in heavy trucking for STAG before being hired by Renault Véhicules Industriels’ military division as a test driver. He also worked for Mack Trucks in Canada and did testing for Mitsubishi.

In 1980, he parlayed his employment at RVI into driving a Renault SM8 at the Paris–Dakar. With Francis Doz by his side, they finished sixth. The truck was eventually used by Bernard Maingret and Pierre Lambert at the 1981 race but retired.

Three years later, Frumholtz returned to Dakar in a Renault TRM 6000 that served as a service truck for the Marreau Brothers. He, Jean-Claude Marie, Pierre Faure placed 58th overall.

“But beyond his career, Jacques will remain in our memories for his personality: his infectious laughter, his convivial nature, and his contagious good humor,” said legendary rally raid route developer and opener Stéphane Le Bail. “Today, I lost a very close friend, someone who was almost like a father to me. He taught me the fundamentals of off-roading, the critical importance of adjusting tire pressure to suit the terrain, and so much more. I will deeply miss his good cheer, his generosity, and his unassuming nature.

“He now takes his place within the great family of Dakar pioneers.”