It seemed like an inseparable pairing. Team SWPN and its rider, Melvin van der Voort, were a perfect match. That has now changed abruptly. There will be no more joint pursuit of the IDM title in the Supersport class on Yamaha. The distinctive, long-haired Van der Voort has decided not to accept SWPN’s offer to extend their partnership. This brings their successful collaboration to an end after five years.
In 2019, SWPN and Melvin van der Voort, then 13 years old, competed together for the first time in the IDM Supersport 300. After two years featuring several podium finishes and victories on the Yamaha R3, they moved up to the IDM Supersport 600. Here, too, the partnership proved extremely successful, culminating in a championship title in 2023. At the same time, Melvin—now 18 years old—made his debut with a wildcard entry in the World Supersport class at Jerez. He scored his first World Championship points right off the bat.
The plan for 2024 was to defend the IDM title. In addition, the plan was to compete in several races in the Supersport World Championship. SWPN wanted to provide the young up-and-comer with a transition period leading up to his full-fledged World Championship debut in 2025. Van der Voort, however, declined to extend his contract. He has decided to continue his career elsewhere. It is not yet known where that will be.
Melvin van der Voort’s story is something special for the entire SWPN team and, in particular, for team principal Frank Brouwer. “He joined the team as a 13-year-old boy. Over the past few years, we’ve done everything we could together to develop Melvin as a rider and support him. It’s been great to see the progress he’s made along the way. As a team, we’re proud of the results we’ve achieved together, and also of the example Melvin sets for other young Yamaha riders thanks to the bLU cRU talent development program. As a team, we’d like to thank Melvin for his dedication, his results, and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared. I’d also like to thank all team members, the Yamaha Motor Benelux branch, and all sponsors for their faith and support in this project, in which everyone brought out the best in themselves and in each other.”
It is not yet known who will succeed Van der Voort at SWPN. The position will definitely be filled.
