“Pink is the color of passion” is a line from the song “Pink” by the world-famous band Aerosmith. That’s probably why Walid Khan is a secret fan of this color—because, to him, it conveys exactly the passion he feels for racing. “Racing is my identity,” says the Dutch rider, who races for Team Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing and is currently third in the overall standings of the IDM Supersport .
Khan is no stranger to the racing team. Back in 2018, the 22-year-old was already racing as a regular rider for Kawasaki in the IDM Supersport . At the end of the season, he parted ways with the team. He spent two years looking for a team until, last year, team boss Carsten Freudenberg offered him a test start at Most. Khan didn’t need to be asked twice and accepted immediately. He seized his opportunity and won the first race right off the bat. The casual gamer couldn’t have sent a clearer signal that, despite a long hiatus, he’s a master of motorcycle racing and that it’s in his blood. “All I want to do is race,” he said after his first victory in Most, and he also impressed in the second race with a fifth-place finish. The test run turned into a continued partnership for the rest of the season, which he finished in sixth place in the championship.
In 2022, the Groningen native will once again compete in the familiar orange-and-yellow colors as a regular rider for the Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing team. Although he had to sit out the season opener at the Lausitzring for personal reasons, he showed in Oschersleben—with a victory and a bronze-medal finish—just what he’s made of. Another victory followed at Most—and he would have secured a second one as well, had technical issues not prevented him from doing so. “I’m very satisfied with how the season is going. I’m stronger than ever before, which I owe primarily to Carsten [Freudenberg]. He believes in me and my riding skills, which has given me back a great deal of self-confidence,” said the Dutchman, who describes himself as a very emotional rider.
It’s clear what Walid Khan is hoping for this season: the championship title. But he also wants to prove that he’s one of the riders who belongs in the World Championship and is worth supporting. The KTM rider now gets support and encouragement from people “who voluntarily help me and want to see me succeed,” he explains. After all, without help, racing is a tough business.
Khan is hoping to secure more wins this weekend in Schleiz. He currently trails the league leader and his teammate, Leo Rammerstorfer, by a total of 26 points. “A one-two finish would be a dream here in Schleiz,” he says enthusiastically with a smile. If he manages to pull that off, he’ll be sure to see everything through rose-colored glasses—at least on the ride home.