IDM Supersport : Julia Hämmer is really giving the guys a run for their money as the "Lady in Pink"

IDM Supersport : Julia Hämmer is really giving the guys a run for their money as the "Lady in Pink"

The IDM Supersport and the Yamaha bLU cRU R3 Cup called, and Julia Hämmer answered. The appeal: the costs in the junior class are manageable. Text: Anke Wieczorek, Photos: Julia Hämmer, personal collection

Her father was a rocker, a musician through and through, a passionate biker, and the founder of Schwabenleder. The Next Generation Julia Hämmer has set its sights on 2019 in the IDM Supersport and the one integrated into it Yamaha bLU cRU R3 Cup enrolled. Claus Hämmer, who passed away in 2014, would have been proud of his daughter had he lived to see it.

His father’s death threw the company in Winterbach, Swabia, into turmoil. What would become of his life’s work? He had built Schwabenleder from the ground up and made it what it is today: Germany’s most popular manufacturer of leather clothing for motorcyclists. Claus Hämmer’s children, the twins Dennis and Julia, took up the mantle and continue to successfully run Schwabenleder—in a different way than their father, but entirely in his spirit.

Until then, Julia Hämmer had actually wanted to become a professional athlete and had even considered studying sports. But less than a week after her father’s death, she signed up for an apprenticeship as a tailor. Today, she is responsible for creating beautiful custom-made jumpsuits and bags, which she crafts from old leather suits. Her brother manages the business operations.

And even though she didn’t become a professional athlete, Julia Hämmer is a household name in the paddock. The 27-year-old blonde whirlwind is shaking up the scene. Instead of pursuing a full-time career, she spends her free time riding a motorcycle. Another hallmark of the Lady in Pink: Julia “Jule” Hämmer uses only her index finger to brake. Last year she finished third in the DMSB Endurance Cup; now she’s making her debut in the IDM Supersport series Supersport the Yamaha bLU cRU R3 Cup, which is part of it. “Even though the R3 only has 43 PS , the bike is a blast,” says the Swabian enthusiast, who trains relentlessly.

And what does her brother Dennis have to say about it? “Her fighting spirit is incredible. Above all, she gets back up after a crash and immediately posts the same lap times as before.” He adds: “As a Swabian, I’m perfectly fine with her racing on a Yamaha R3, because the replacement parts are more affordable than in other series.” Her twin brother fully supports his sister: “The main thing is that she’s back at the office on Tuesdays.”

As part of its efforts to support young talent, Yamaha Motor Germany has decided to make an unbeatable offer to ten Cup participants. For 5,695.00 euros, participants will receive a 2018 R3, including a racing kit. The only additional costs are the entry fees and ongoing expenses. The offer is available on a “first come, first served” basis.