Melvin van der Voort is moving up a class in 2021. The 15-year-old Dutch rider is moving from the IDM Supersport 300 to the IDM Supersport 600, switching from the Yamaha YZF-R3 to a YZF-R6. Last year’s season-opener winner in the junior class will be racing for the third consecutive year under the colors of the SWPN team, which is supported by Yamaha Motor Europe, Benelux Branch.
After two years in the IDM Supersport 300, it’s time for Melvin van der Voort to take on bigger challenges. Last year, the long-haired blond achieved his biggest goal to date: a victory at his home track, the TT Circuit Assen. Van der Voort was in the title race right up until the finale at Hockenheim, ultimately finishing fifth overall.
In his new adventure, the IDM Supersport 600, he will be the youngest competitor in the class. The goal is to gain a foothold in the class and make progress. According to team manager Frank Brouwer, the young rider won’t be thrown in at the deep end but will be allowed to test extensively beforehand. Additionally, plans are in place for van der Voort to use races in the Dutch Championship as part of his preparation. “I want to steadily close the gap to the front during the season,” the teenager announces. Frank Brouwer adds: “Melvin has made tremendous progress in the Supersport 300 class. We view the switch to the Supersport 600 machine as a major step. I am confident that he can grow and develop quickly in this class as well.” Mario Janssen, Country Manager at Yamaha Motor Europe, also thinks highly of the 15-year-old: “Melvin van der Voort is a great talent, and we have complete confidence in him.”
Team SWPN is a partner of “Stichting Zorgeloos Kind,” a Dutch foundation for sick children. On the one hand, SWPN gives young racers the opportunity to develop their skills so they can reach the top of national motorsports. On the other hand, SWPN raises funds for the charity and regularly spends a day caring for children with serious or long-term illnesses, along with their entire families. For one day, their illnesses are meant to take a back seat.