He joined the IDM as a rookie this year, and six race weekends later, he sits in third place in the championship heading into the season finale at Hockenheim. Dustin Schneider has surprised everyone with his performances this year. The rider from the Vogtland region, who was still competing in the Northern Talent Cup last year, is now battling for the runner-up title in the IDM Supersport 300 class under the guidance of the Freudenberg KTM-Paligo Racing Team, following a victory at the Sachsenring and two podium finishes.
But the 18-year-old isn’t content to settle for third place in the championship. “I’m surprised by this season myself and didn’t expect things to go this well for me,” says Dustin Schneider, looking back on the season. He reveals that he had previously imagined finishing in the top 10 at best, and adds: “But now I definitely want to fight for the runner-up title as well.”
He undoubtedly has the necessary skills, and after numerous conversations and advice from his World Championship teammates, Schneider knows exactly how to proceed. “Throughout the season, they’ve given me valuable advice on adapting to the motorcycle as well as on tackling the tracks and developing my riding style,” explains Schneider. The odds are therefore in the Adorf native’s favor this weekend as he aims to snatch the runner-up title from his teammate Walid Khan, who currently holds second place overall.
Either way, Dustin Schneider plans to compete in the IDM again next year. “That’s the current plan,” says Schneider. However, specific details have not yet been finalized; instead, negotiations are still underway. At Hockenheim, the focus is entirely on the upcoming races and the unexpectedly close chance to finish as runner-up.