Do you still remember Lukas “Trauti” Trautmann, the promising talent from Salzburg? He was the first rider to sweep the 2014 Yamaha R6 Dunlop Cup: eight wins in eight races. In 2016, he moved up to Yamaha Motor Germany’s Superbike team and, at the tender age of 19, claimed his first victory in the IDM’s premier class on the YZF-R1M. Then his career came to an abrupt end for a variety of personal reasons. But now Trauti is back. The 26-year-old veteran from Austria will be riding the Supersport of the injured Thomas Gradinger at the Red Bull Ring.
Five years away from the IDM, and now a comeback in the Supersport. What happened?
Everything just fell into place. The right people were in the right place at the right time. That’s why I was in Assen, and I also stopped by to see my former team manager, Carsten Freudenberg. I’ve always stayed in touch with him, and for my race at the Red Bull Ring, he’s teaming up with the Eder-Racing Team—where Thomas Gradinger races—just for me. I spoke with everyone in person; it’s easier and better than on the phone.
That sounds like a good foundation. How are you feeling yourself?
I’ve been competing in the FIM Endurance World Championship since 2022. So I’m back, I’ve got racing in my blood, and I want to race. And it’s working out.
Are you taking the switch to the Supersport at the Red Bull Ring in stride?
We'll see on Friday during free practice. I'll have to make sure I'm at my racing weight, because the Supersport bikes don't really have quite as much power.
What's your goal?
I'd be thrilled to cross the finish line. We're doing this for the joy and fun of racing, and the Austrian wants to get a taste of home again.
What does that mean?
I’m training to be a farrier in Brüggen, near Düsseldorf. I’ve always wanted to do an apprenticeship abroad. But since I can’t take that much time off, the only thing that’s set in stone is my stint at the Red Bull Ring. If I were to set my sights on Hockenheim as well, my boss would kill me. (laughs)