He entered the IDM as a rookie this year, and six race weekends later, he is in third place in the championship ahead of the season finale in Hockenheim. Dustin Schneider has caused quite a stir with his performances this year. The Vogtland native, who raced in the Northern Talent Cup last year, is now fighting for the runner-up title in the IDM Supersport 300 under the wing of the Freudenberg KTM-Paligo Racing Team after a victory at the Sachsenring and two podium finishes.
However, the 18-year-old is not content with third place in the championship. "I'm surprised by this season myself and didn't expect it to go so well for me," says Dustin Schneider, looking back on the season. The KTM rider reveals that he could have imagined a place in the top 10 at most beforehand, adding: "But now I definitely want to fight for the runner-up title."
He undoubtedly has the necessary skills, and after numerous discussions and advice from his teammates in the World Championship, Schneider knows exactly how to proceed. "Throughout the season, they have given me valuable advice on how to adapt to the bike and how to tackle the tracks and riding style," explains Schneider. The conditions are therefore good for the Adorf native to snatch the runner-up title from his teammate Walid Khan, who is currently in second place overall, this weekend.
Either way, Dustin Schneider wants to compete in the IDM again next year. "That's the current plan," says Schneider. However, concrete details have not yet been finalized and are still under negotiation. In Hockenheim, the focus is entirely on the upcoming races and the surprisingly close chance of finishing as runner-up in the championship.