Only 16 years old and already taking part in the World Championship. For flat-track racer Max Hellmann, a dream will come true on Saturday in Italy. In a few years, he wants to be at the top. But what exactly is the sport and how does the man from Schwarzach finance himself?
Only 16 years old and already taking part in a world championship? A dream that came true for flat track racer Max Hellmann yesterday. But what exactly is flat track? It involves driving a motocross bike for several laps on mostly oval race tracks, so-called speedway tracks. “I was no longer interested in motocross riding, then I became aware of it by watching,” says Hellmann happily. A change that has paid off so far. He has won various races (including in Germany and St. Johann). His greatest success to date is the 2023 national championship title. “That was actually just a trial year for me because it was the first with a license,” says the 16-year-old. With this victory, he automatically qualified for the World Championship. In his first start in Boves (Italy), the Pongau native finished in xxth place. The major event continues next week in Meißen (D) and on August 24th in Kings Lynn (GB). Trips that require a considerable sum of money. “We’re expecting around 10,000 euros for the World Championship alone. That includes the tank, travel, overnight stays and one tire per race. The whole season costs us around 20,000.” “One or two more years” Hellmann has to raise around 50 percent of the money himself, the second part comes from sponsors. “I’m grateful to everyone. Every euro is worth a lot,” says the apprentice car mechanic, who also enjoys great support from his boss. “My boss is really happy for me,” smiles the man from Schwarzach. “The long-term goal would be the World Championship title. Other drivers tell me that it will take another one or two years before I’m at the top.”
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