“ Sidecars will remain an integral part of the IDMin 2019 as well, ”says IDM Series Manager Normann Broy. Motor Presse Stuttgart, as the promoter, and the IGG (Interessengemeinschaft Gespannrennen e.V.) have agreed to join forces.
What's new: There will be a greater focus on sidecars powered by 600cc engines. In the IDM field, sidecars from the Engine displacement classes up to 600 and 1,000 cm³ compete for the title. The prerequisite is that at least six teams are registered in each displacement class. All teams will race in the same field but be scored separately. IGG Director Robert Werth is optimistic about turnout: “Numerous Dutch riders have also expressed interest in participating in the IDM.”
The 600cc class is particularly interesting for teams from the Sidecar World Championship. Germany would offer them a platform where they could also compete in races during Grand Prix breaks. Only 600cc sidecars are permitted in the World Championship.
In the IDM, the IGG has so far insisted on 1,000 ccm engines. This is because the interest group remains unconvinced of the merits of switching to 600cc engines in the World Championship. The FIM’s mandated engine modifications for the World Championship are still considered disproportionate in terms of cost and benefit. Proponents cited various serious accidents in the past as the rationale for the displacement and power reductions introduced two years ago. Furthermore, they argue that pillion riders are no longer able to cope with the brute power delivery of the large engines. The IGG vehemently opposes this and keeps the 1,000-cc four-stroke and 1,200-cc two-cylinder classes alive.
The introduction of the 600cc class as an IDM championship class would serve as a stepping stone to the next level for both the participants and the IGG. And in all likelihood, World Championship newcomers Josef Sattler and Uwe Neubert will continue to compete in the IDM, provided there are no scheduling conflicts.
By the way: Peter Schröder had announced his retirement as a driver toward the end of the season. The Swiss IDM veteran had planned to make guest appearances in the Europacup at most, but he changed his mind and is now set to compete in the IDM for another year. This is also very much in the interest of his 25-year-old German co-driver Denise Kartheininger. Her husband, Daniel Kartheininger, races in the IDM Superbike 1000 class, and they both have the same itinerary.