After three consecutive team changes, the 2021 racing season was finally set to put Toni Erhard back on track for a title. The 2018 Supersport 300 champion found his current home with Team Roto-Store BRT in the spring, switching from a KTM to a Kawasaki Ninja 400.
However, the results of the nearly concluded season have been mixed for the former champion: 7th place in the overall standings and one pole position. He hopes to finally secure his long-awaited first podium finish at the season finale in Hockenheim. “I’ve always had good results at Hockenheim, and that’s where I won my title in 2018,” Erhard says hopefully.
The computer science student initially struggled with the switch to Kawasaki: “I first had to get used to the bike and put a lot of work into the setup.” He also noted that the field of riders is particularly strong this year. Erhard: “A small mistake can cost you ten places right away.”
All in all, however, the 21-year-old is satisfied with his performance. “The season went well, considering the circumstances. But now that we have all the data, I want to win a second title next year,” said Erhard.
Team boss Sven Simram didn’t want to commit to whether the team would continue in 2022 during the Hockenheim race weekend. But basically, all signs point to a green light. “The team has gelled well this year, and we’ve already proven that we’re competitive,” Simram sums up. But one thing is certain: if they continue, it will be with the same lineup: Toni Erhard and Troy Beinlich in the IDM Supersport 300, and brother Christoph Beinlich in the Supersport 600.
“A podium finish next year is definitely within reach. But anything can still happen at Hockenheim,” Sinram says optimistically. We’ll find out on Saturday and Sunday whether that wish comes true in the final two IDM races of the season.