Team Yamaha MGM Set for Schleizer Dreieck
Team Yamaha MGM replacement riders Kev Coghlan and Cameron Beaubier are ready to step up to the challenge in the 2015 Superbike*IDM International German Championship at the sixth round held at Schleizer Dreieck this weekend.
Coghlan, who has been active in the European Superstock 1000 FIM Cup for MRS Yamaha, looks forward to testing himself in a new environment. Though he has never ridden at the Schleiz before, his experience in multiple classes and at various circuits allow him to be prepared for whatever may comes his way.
His temporary teammate, Beaubier, is currently leading the MotoAmerica Superbike class with his YZF-R1 alongside Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha teammate Josh Hayes. He is eager to return to a European road racing championship for the first time since his efforts in the MotoGP 125cc class in 2009.
The Schleiz is the oldest natural track in Germany. It has hosted sporting events for two, three or four wheels categories since the 10th of June 1923 and is one of the few racetracks where the riders have to make their way in a counter-clockwise direction. Though the average track width is only around 10 metres, there is still plenty of action at the Schleiz, making the track a favourite amongst both riders and race fans.
#88 Kev Coghlan
“I really don’t know anything about the track. I’ve watched some YouTube videos and spoke to a couple of riders who told me it’s almost like a street circuit and very fast! I think it will be a new experience for me so I’m really looking forward to it! I’m also looking forward to working with the team who I’ve heard a lot of good things about; they seem to be really professional. I will have a lot to learn with the new track, a new team and also the bike is also quite new to me. It will be my first time on slicks and with the more advanced electronics, as I know the suspension is also more advanced than what I use on my Superstock Yamaha YZF-R1M.”
#6 Cameron Beaubier
“I’m really looking forward to riding a new track! I haven’t been in Europe since 2009 and I miss it. I’ve only watched some videos of the track so I will need to learn it quickly. As for the team I’ve heard nothing but good things about them and am looking forward to meeting them!”
Michael Galinski – Team Yamaha MGM Team Manager
“Of course Schleiz is a very special event. I know that both our replacement riders are really good. Cameron Beaubier is one of the best riders on a Superbike in America. The negative thing is that he hasn’t got much time. He needs to learn the track during the three practice sessions and the two qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday and try to be fast as well, but I have no doubts he’ll be able to do that. The races in Schleiz are nothing usual, but I believe he’ll be able to climb onto the podium there. For Kev Coghlan, I believe he is an all-rounder. He won the British 600cc category, knows all the British tracks and someone who is able to be competitive there is for sure not shocked when he sees Schleiz. I know that many of the IDM riders like Markus Reiterberger count Schleiz as their favorite tracks and I hope we’ll have two more riders who love to ride at this unique venue after this weekend.”