German Superbike Championship
Racing icon Jeremy McWilliams will be onboard a third KTM RC8R Superbike contesting the remainder of the IDM season for the KTM-Akrapovic Team as of Assen. McWilliams joins KTM’s Stefan Nebel and Kai-Boerre Anderson, who stands in for the injured Didier van Keymeulen on the starting line at the traditional Dutch circuit.
KTM thus deploys a third officially-supported motorcycle in the IDM (International German Superbike Championship) together with the exhaust systems manufacturer Akrapovic. The renowned Slovenian manufacturer has been one of the closest partners of the Austrian sports motorcycle manufacturers for many years. The brand with the distinct "scorpion" emblem has accompanied the development of the first KTM RC8R IDM Superbike right from the beginning of the project.
A unique Akrapovic design has been created for the third KTM Superbike as an expression of the very special relationship between the two companies.
McWilliams on board for KTM-Akrapovic
With Jeremy McWilliams, KTM-Akrapovic has one of the most renowned road racing exponents in the sport. The 45-year-old from Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland has celebrated a great deal of success in road racing and because of his high level of technical and racing competence, has been a test rider and racer for many MotoGP and Superbike teams. McWilliams, who today runs his own racing school and supports young talent in their careers, is to contest the next IDM races in Assen (23.8.) as well as the season’s Superbike finale in Hockenheim (13.9.) onboard the Akrapovic-KTM RC8R.
Limited Edition Replica
To crown this unique cooperation, KTM is offering for sale in autumn just 100 units of a "Limited Edition" replica of the Jeremy McWilliams IDM Superbike. Thanks to its special Club Race Kit including the Akrapovic EVO4 exhaust system and the machine’s 180 hp performance, this is an elegant race replica that is both licensed for use on the road and a potent Superbike on the racetrack.
Anderson standing in for injured van Keymeulen
Kai-Boerre Andersen will also make his debut in the saddle of the orange Red Bull KTM RC8R at the same time as racing icon McWilliams. The Norwegian is the official replacement for the regular team rider Didier van Keymeulen who must undergo surgery on his injured hand and is therefore out for the rest of the season. The official KTM team and its team boss Konrad Hefele are hoping for a quick recovery of the Belgian rider and have meanwhile put their trust in the 34-yar-old Andersen who, as an ex Supersport champion and vice IDM Superbike champion, brings with him the necessary experience and skills.
Photos by Freeman G.
