For Lucy Michel, the news that she has to change schools came as a shock. She will not be granted an exemption from her racing activities due to the rigorous curriculum. For the Supersport rider, the season is over before it has even begun. This also poses a problem for her team manager, Stefan Laux.
In her debut year, speed demon Michel had Supersport 18 points in the IDM Supersport class. The Saxon, who stands just 150 centimeters tall, had hoped to build on that success with Stefan Laux’s team. But things turned out differently. With a heavy heart, Michel decided to pull the plug and withdrew her entry. She can no longer balance her education and her racing career. “Lucy wouldn’t have been able to take part in Friday’s free practice sessions and would have been under constant pressure. In the IDM, she has to deliver, too,” says Stefan Laux, who had already installed a brand-new fork and a brand-new engine in the Yamaha R3 for his rider. Even the practice sessions had been booked. “But if Lucy is just running her mind back and forth and can’t clear her head, it doesn’t make sense,” he agrees with the 17-year-old. Michel’s training program lasts three years. A comeback is desired by everyone involved, but it remains uncertain. Michel is struggling greatly with the situation.
For now, Laux is pulling out all the stops to fill the roster for his TSL-Racing team in time for the IDM round at the Lausitzring from May 6 to 8. The first drivers interested in the spot have already come forward. However, Laux’s preferred driver, Freddie Heinrich—also from Saxony—is already under contract in the Spanish Championship. “Maybe I’ll pick someone from the Cup or a completely unknown driver,” says Laux, who is from Bavaria, “but we’ll definitely keep going. The equipment is already ready.”