The reigning MX2 World Champion is competing in the ADAC MX Masters. This will be Längenfelder’s first race on a 450cc bike. Discounted tickets are available.
Reigning MX2 Motocross World Champion Simon Längenfelder (GER/Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team) will compete in the ADAC MX Masters in Dreetz on 9 and 10 May. The KTM factory rider will then contest his first race on a 450cc machine. The rider from Upper Franconia is currently leading the MX2 World Championship once again. After a six-year break, the former ADAC MX Junior Cup 125 champion made his debut in the ADAC MX Masters class last year and is delighted to be able to compete in front of his home fans again this year.
How did the decision to compete at the ADAC MX Masters in Dreetz come about? Simon Längenfelder: “Following the GP in Arco last weekend, we now have a break of over a month in the World Championship. During this time, I really want to race to stay in the rhythm, and Dreetz fits in perfectly. I’ll also be using this opportunity to compete in my first race on a 450cc motorbike.”
Do you know the track in Dreetz? “I’ve been to Dreetz a few times for training, and I think I raced there once or twice when I was younger. But I’ve never been there as part of the ADAC MX Masters. The track is a real challenge. It has lots of 180-degree bends where you have to dig yourself out of the sand. I’ve heard that a lot of riders were complaining last year that the track was so worn out. But that makes it all the better for me in terms of preparing for the upcoming MXGP races.”
Was your debut in the ADAC MX Masters class last year so good that you wanted to compete in a race again straight away this year? “Now that I’m living in Germany again, it’s definitely become easier to compete in the ADAC MX Masters, as the journey is much shorter. I was surprised by how professional the series is, as I’d only been familiar with the MXGP from previous years. There are loads of riders, which is always cool; all the classes are full, and you even have to qualify for the races. I don’t see that in the World Championship anymore, so it really took me by surprise in a good way, and now I’m looking forward to being back in Dreetz. I’ve decided to compete in one or two races in the ADAC MX Masters every year. But I can only ever decide at quite short notice, as it depends on my calendar, my fitness, my bike and other factors whether it’s possible. Racing is actually always the best training. So why should I stay at home and watch the livestream when I can race myself?”
What impact has the series had on your career? “When I was competing in the ADAC MX Junior Cup 125 in 2018 and 2019, there weren’t as many EMX races as there are today. The ADAC MX Masters really helped me get into the swing of racing and learn at an international level. Having a series of such a high standard right on my doorstep, so to speak, with so many riders from all over the world, was a key building block on my path to the world’s elite.”
What are the goals for Dreetz? “The established Masters riders know the track well under race conditions from previous years. Of course, I’d like to try and win at Dreetz, but I also know that it’s my first race on the 450, that I need to take it easy and that the others are really strong too. The duel between Max Nagl and Roan van de Moosdijk in the second race at Grevenbroich showed just how good they are. I’m curious myself to see how things will go on the 450. I haven’t ridden it much yet – just a few days, and with the setup from my 250. In any case, I’m looking forward to completing my first race laps on the big bike and gaining some experience.”
How important is direct contact with German fans, such as at the autograph session on Sunday? “Now that I’m back in Germany more often and doing most of my training sessions here, I think it’s really cool that I get to see so many people and fans and actually have a chat with them. And it’s great for them too, as they get to see me in person rather than just via the livestream. I think it’s brilliant to be able to meet them in person and provide them with good entertainment through some great races. There was already a lot going on last year in Tensfeld, and I expect the fans in Dreetz will create a great atmosphere too.”
Längenfelder will be available to fans alongside other top riders at the autograph session on Sunday lunchtime. Spectators can look forward to a top-class starting line-up and exciting racing in the four classes: ADAC MX Masters, ADAC MX Youngster Cup, ADAC MX Junior Cup 125 and ADAC MX Junior Cup 85. Tickets are now available online via the MC Dreetz ticket shop. Use the discount code “Simon10” to get 10% off all tickets purchased in advance.
