For racers to give their all on the weekend, they need not only plenty of training, physical fitness, and complete concentration, but also a perfectly prepared motorcycle and an optimal environment. While amateur racers are responsible for everything themselves, riders in the various world championships—and, of course, in the IDM—can rely on a professional team structure. Team members typically not only handle the organization and technical aspects but also ensure the physical well-being of their riders through catering and, in some cases, even their own physical therapists. Furthermore, it is often the teams that actively seek out young talent to nurture them from an early stage.
In episode three of the IDM podcast “Slicks and Sunglasses,” Jochen Kiefer of the Kiefer Racing Team—one of the most experienced team managers—offers insights into his work. The 54-year-old and his team will compete in both the IDM Supersport 300 and the Supersport class during the 2023 season. While two more experienced riders, Leon Orgis and Yves Stadelmann, will be piloting the Supersport bikes, and reigning SSP 300 champion Marvin Siebdrath is switching to a Yamaha R3 and joining Kiefer, Jochen Kiefer is also mentoring 15-year-old Albert Prasse and 13-year-old-year-old Mitja Borgelt in the 300cc class. In the podcast, he describes his approach to selecting new riders, talks about the unique challenges of working with young talent, and explains how his work in the IDM differs from that in the Moto3 and Moto2 World Championships.
About the IDM podcast series:
In “Slicks and Sunglasses,” we welcome exciting guests from the world of the IDM every two weeks and take you behind the scenes of Germany’s premier motorcycle championship. We talk to riders, teams, and organizers, provide you with background information and interesting facts about technology and regulations, or simply chat with our podcast guests about the most beautiful triviality in the world. Do you have any questions, requests, or suggestions regarding the podcast? Then send us an email at idm.podcast2023@gmail.com.