The partnership between Skach Motors Kawasaki Racing and IDM Superbike rider Patrick “Pax” Hobelsberger, which was agreed upon in the fall, has come to a premature end. Following the first practice sessions, the two parties parted ways even before the official start of the season in Germany’s top motorcycle racing class.
“There’s been some unrest within the team for several weeks now, and I’ve had many conversations with Patrick,” said team manager Oliver Skach. “In the course of these discussions, it became clear to me that we cannot meet the extreme demands he places on us. Pax is an outstanding and extremely ambitious race car driver. However, we can’t get a handle on his extraordinary demands and his temperament. For this reason, we’ve decided to part ways now. This gives us both the opportunity to look for alternatives before the season starts in May.” The split was amicable. There won’t be any fallout.
Patrick Hobelsberger, a 28-year-old from Bavaria who finished fourth overall last year, has joined Oliver Skach’s Superbike team. It is the only Kawasaki team in the IDM Superbike series that is officially supported by the importer. With MecTronik, the team has a high-end electronics manufacturer on board and will work directly with the company’s CEO and developer.
The Skach Motors Kawasaki Racing team from Dormagen, Westphalia, made a highly acclaimed debut in the IDM Superbike series in 2024 and scored points with Croatian rider Martin Vugrinec. The 25-year-old Eastern European’s heart beats “green,” and he remains under contract. Development of the Kawasaki ZX-10RR is in full swing. “But by the time the season kicks off in Oschersleben, we’ll once again have a top rider on board who will take us toward the top.”