It has been known for a few days now that the Hertrampf team has teamed up with Yamaha in the IDM Superbike 1000 class. The identity of the new Superbike rider, however, had remained a secret until now. The mystery has now been solved: Max Schmidt is “the new guy” in the IDM’s premier class, racing for the Hertrampf MO Yamaha Racing Team.
But they’re no strangers to each other. In 2020, as a 17-year-old racing for the Hertrampf Racing Team, Schmidt finished second overall in the Pro Superstock Cup. This naturally established him as a potential Superbike contender for 2021, despite his young age. In line with the strategic direction of the team from Nordhorn, the now 18-year-old high school graduate is indeed set to compete in the IDM Superbike 1000.
The race bike is the Yamaha YZF-R1M. Preparations for the motorcycle, which has been customized with GYTR parts, are currently underway as scheduled at the team headquarters. The plan is to complete two test sessions before the start of the season. According to Max Schmidt, 2021 will be the most exciting year of his life. “Competing on a top-tier motorcycle in a top-tier team in Germany’s premier class is a huge opportunity and, at the same time, a massive challenge,” says the Wuppertal native enthusiastically. “I’m looking forward to competing against the best, I’m ready to learn, and I’m grateful for the trust Denis Hertrampf has placed in me.” Schmidt will take to the track with the number “25.”
Team manager Denis Hertrampf also sees only positives in the situation. “First of all, together with Yamaha Germany, we’ve laid an excellent foundation for success both at the top level of the sport and at the grassroots level of racing. And with the decision to continue supporting our Pro Superstock runner-up, we’re staying true to our team philosophy by placing our trust in young talent. We already agreed back in 2020 that Max’s immense talent could fuel a successful career.”