At the most recent IDM event in Assen, a deeply disappointed Victor Steeman (Multi Tracker Racing) wandered through the paddock. Ironically, on his home track in the Netherlands, he was beaten twice by his biggest title rival, Toni Erhard, in the two IDM Supersport 300-class races. His German KTM teammate won both races. At the same time, he took the lead in the overall standings from Steeman and now holds a ten-point lead. At the IDM finale in Hockenheim from September 28 to 30, 2018, Steeman hopes to turn the tide once again on his 46 PS motorcycle. The 18-year-old knows it won’t be easy, as Toni Erhard’s results have been improving steadily since the second half of the season.
However, the Dutch rider is riding high on the momentum from his first World Championship point, which he earned a week ago during his debut in the Supersport 300 World Championship in Portimão, Portugal. He was racing on a track that was new to him, with a different team, and on an unfamiliar motorcycle—even though, just like in the IDM, it was a KTM RC 390 R. Steeman started from 17th position, fell back, but fought his way up to 15th place. The KTM Fortron Racing Team and Team Manager Arie Vos seemed extremely relaxed. Will that first World Championship point provide a boost for the IDM finale?