An Australian is taking the IDM by storm. Harry Khouri (AUS, 16, Benjan Racing Team) from Richmond, New South Wales, has taken the lead in the Supersport class. The Kawasaki rider is thus following in the footsteps of last year’s champion, Angelo Licciardi. Khouri has taken over the Belgian’s spot at Benjan for this season. Ahead of the third of four IDM events at the Lausitzring, he is the only rider in the IDM junior class with two race wins this season.
Khouri got his first taste of the IDM last year. He competed in the final two rounds at Assen and the Hockenheimring. At the Dutch World Championship circuit, he made it onto the podium right off the bat. In his first IDM race, he caused a stir by finishing third. But the Aussie had some bad luck at Hockenheim: after a crash, he took a broken arm back to Down Under as a painful souvenir.
The connection with Benjan Racing came about through a mechanic named Khouri. “He’s known the team for many years,” the Australian explains. Through his guest appearances, Khouri was able to impress the championship-winning team, and so he secured the IDM ride for this season.
In his home country, Khouri has dominated the 300cc class in the Australian Superbike Championship since the end of February. He has won all three races held so far. However, he is not yet the champion. “Due to COVID-19, all remaining events have been canceled, and we still don’t know what will happen next,” he explains. In addition, two wildcard appearances in the Supersport were planned, but those were also canceled due to the pandemic.
From his races in Australia, Khouri brings back experience in intense one-on-one battles. “There are a lot of kamikaze moves there, and riders overtake at every opportunity,” he says, describing the situation in his home country. “In the IDM, there are also plenty of battles for position and passing maneuvers, but not to the point where you’re hindering your opponents.” The 16-year-old Kawasaki rider adds: “But the competition in the IDM is damn tough and comes pretty close to the Supersport.”
He moved to the north of Holland with his mother, Louise, for his IDM races. “One of the team members has a house there,” Khouri explains. “We’re living there now, in a really nice spot by a small river.” It’s perfect for passing the time with kayaking trips. The young Australian stays in shape mainly by riding a road bike. By the way, the 16-year-old doesn’t like running, even though it’s also part of his fitness routine.