In preparation for the WorldSSP300’s next event in July, Füsport – RT Motorsports by SKM Kawasaki decided to enter their rider Troy Alberto in the IDM Supersport 300 World Championship over the weekend. It was the perfect opportunity for the Filipino rider to log valuable test kilometers at Autodrom Most in the Czech Republic as it also happens to be the next stop on the WorldSSP300 calendar. Little did they know that their wildcard entry would yield a podium finish, whilst battling against some of the best riders in Northern Europe.
Troy was immediately on pace despite it being his first time on the 4.21 km circuit. He and his #9 Kawasaki Ninja 400 was 6th fastest during Free Practice, which gave the team high hopes for the races. However, tricky weather conditions and an error prevented Troy from placing higher in Qualifying. He was only 7th fastest in QTT1 as he struggled to set a good time in the wet. With the track now dry, QTT2 gave him another shot at clean lap, but missed his opportunity after colliding with another rider to later end the session in 8th.
Despite the slight setback, Troy was confident that he can still turn his fortunes around and deliver strong results. A clean getaway in Race 1 allowed him to maintain position in P8 and was within striking distance of the front pack. Unfortunately, he had to serve a penalty on the second lap for his incident in Qualifying and dropped behind the leaders. Troy then used the clear track in front of him to set consistently quick laps and eventually caught up to the other riders. Later on he made a clean pass and concluded his IDM Supersport 300 debut in 6th.
The positive outcome from Saturday gave Troy renewed confidence for Race 2. This time, a lighting fast start bumped him several places and was in P5 at the end of the first lap. He stayed in P6 for most of the 11-lap race before reeling in the top riders. With only two laps to go, he made a lunge for position and came out P3 from the final corner. He made one last attempt on the run to the line, but still ended up in 3rd to secure his first podium in the championship.
Troy turned a few heads during his IDM Supersport 300 debut, to finish on the podium and ahead of World SSP300 front runners Lennox Lehmann and Walid Khan. He now takes his learnings to the fifth round of the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship as it returns to the Autodrom Most in the Czech Republic on July 30/31.
Troy Alberto, #9: “I want to thank God for a safe and successful race. I also want to thank the team for giving this opportunity to race in the IDM Championship. Thank you Dirk Geiger, my world championship teammate, who didn’t race this weekend but helped as rider coach the whole team. Thank you to my family, my girlfriend Yamee, and my friends for their support. Thank you also to all of the Philippine motorcycling community, for all of their greetings and support for me after the race.”
Access Plus Racing is sponsored by Ducati Philippines, Angkas, Essenza, Frontrow, Katinko, Makati Diamond Residences, Italtrans, Aella, Apex, Extreme Components, Lv8, Macbeth, Ohlins, and STM, with Motoworld and Teagumps.
