The clock is ticking. An eventful season in the International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM) will culminate in the grand finale at the Hockenheimring from September 20 to 22, 2024. The final race will traditionally take place at the Motodrom in Baden, treating spectators to breathtaking battles on the 4.57-kilometer racetrack and numerous attractions in the paddock. The IDM organizers at Motor Presse Stuttgart are pulling out all the stops one last time to close out the season.
In the IDM Superbike series, the title has already been decided. BMW rider Ilya Mikhalchik, recognizable by his bright yellow helmet, has been a four-time champion in the top class since the season’s final round at the Nürburgring. Only Germany’s Florian Alt would have been in a position to prevent the Ukrainian’s triumph. However, a serious crash temporarily sidelined the 28-year-old on his Honda and set the Engelskirchen native far back in the standings. He will secure the runner-up title. Although Toni Finsterbusch and Patrick Hobelsberger are theoretically still in a position to challenge him for that spot, the two teammates are primarily focused on their own races. Only eleven points separate the two BMW riders, and both are hoping for third place in the overall standings. Hannes Soomer (BMW) will no longer play a role in this scenario. He was injured last weekend at the FIM Endurance World Championship in France. The Estonian crashed during the night of the 24-hour race, suffering a broken upper arm and a dislocated shoulder. None of this, however, stopped him from riding the battered motorcycle back to the pits. Soomer is a beast when it comes to racing. Due to the severity of his injury, however, he will not be able to compete in the IDM finale.
Lorenzo Zanetti is a key contender for the final spot on the podium. He’s just as much in the running. The Italian Ducati rider has regained his former form after recovering from an injury. He could tip the scales. At the moment, every motorcycle brand represented in the Superbike class—BMW, Honda, Ducati, Kawasaki, and Yamaha—has at least one rider in the championship’s top ten. That’s also the plan for the finale.
Björn Stuppi (BMW), a veteran of the series, is competing in his final race. After more than 20 years in which he was spared major injuries (except for his cast-covered leg last year), the Bavarian is now finally hanging up his helmet. He was never a top contender in the spotlight, but he fought his way through time and again and was a force to be reckoned with on the track.
The competition is heating up in the slightly smaller IDM Supersport . Although Andreas Kofler (Yamaha) holds a 36.5-point lead over second-place Luca de Vleeschauwer (Triumph), the Austrian can’t afford to rest easy. His aggressive Belgian rival has already proven himself to be a tough competitor on multiple occasions and has a one-two finish under his belt. A total of 50 championship points are still up for grabs at Hockenheim. Two races will be held. The gaps between the chasing contenders—Lennox Lehmann (Yamaha), Daniel Blin (Ducati), Twan Smits (Yamaha), and Dirk Geiger (Honda)—are tight. Anything is possible here. The 18-year-old Lehmann from Dresden has announced his intention to overtake the 22-year-old De Vleeschauwer in the standings. The Saxon is highly motivated. Just last weekend, at Yamaha’s invitation, he competed in the Yamaha R7 European Cup Super Final at Le Castellet and won both races. Lehmann himself was overwhelmed.
The title race in the IDM Supersport 300 junior class will be decided among the young riders on the Freudenberg KTM-PALIGO Racing Team. Oliver Svendsen, Ruben Bijman, and Philipp Tonn are the contenders: a 20-year-old Dane, a 20-year-old Dutchman, and a 19-year-old German. The IDM showcases international competition and a high level of athleticism right down to the smallest class. In the races, victory and defeat are often decided by thousandths of a second. KTM is a force to be reckoned with, but Yamaha rider Dylan Czarkowski is increasingly finding a way to break through and move up the field. How will he surprise the fans at Hockenheim?
Every day starting at 9:00 a.m., the wheels are spinning at the Motodrom. Three IDM classes and four cup series take turns on the schedule. There’s barely time to catch your breath. And don’t forget: On Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 12:40 p.m., the highly anticipated Fan Walk will take place in front of the pit lane, where riders will sign autographs and pose for selfies with fans. The IDM is and remains a series you can experience up close. Admission prices for the finale are attractive: 5.00 euros for Friday’s practice sessions, 25.00 euros for Saturday, and 35.00 euros for Sunday. Access to the paddock is already included. Bargain hunters, take note: The weekend ticket for all three days costs 45.00 euros.
If you have your motorcycle gear with you, hold a valid motorcycle license, and are interested in taking a test ride on a model that’s always caught your eye, now’s the time to go for it. Some manufacturers offer test ride opportunities.