This coming weekend (13th - 14th April), the 2019 ADAC MX Masters season commences with its now traditional opening fixture at Fürstlich Drehna in Brandenburg. It is an event that is made doubly special by the ADAC MX Masters entering its 15th year and the members of MSC Fürstlich Drehna celebrating the 40th anniversary of their club. The 1,650-metre Rund um den Mühlberg (literally ‘All around Mühlberg Hill’) track presents drivers with a challenge right at the start of the season, because it is both technically demanding and a test of stamina due to its deep sandy soil.

Almost 300 contestants from more than 25 different countries will be vying for the first championship points of the campaign in the four classes – ADAC MX Masters, ADAC MX Youngster Cup, ADAC MX Junior Cup 125 and ADAC MX Junior Cup 85. The favourites among the German contingent in the senior ADAC MX Masters category on this first race weekend race are Dennis Ullrich (Bodo Schmidt Motorsport/Husqvarna Racing), Mike Stender (Kosak Racing Team), Brian Hsu (HTS KTM Team) and Stefan Ekerold (Castrol Power 1 Suzuki Motobase). Tom Koch (KTM Sarholz Racing Team) from East Germany is also a genuine contender and a favourite with local fans because he comes from nearby Wormstedt in Thuringia. “For me, Fürstlich Drehna is like a home race, because in 2019, it will be the only ADAC MX Masters race in eastern Germany,” says the 21-year-old. “There are sure to be a lot of fans from Thuringia coming along to support me, so obviously I will be hoping to show them what I’m capable of.”

In addition to top international riders such as Tanel Leok (A1M Husqvarna Racing), Jens Getteman (Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil) and Davy Pootjes (DIGA-Procross Husqvarna), the two Austrians Lukas Neurauter (KTM Sarholz Racing Team) and Pascal Rauchenecker (Classic Oil/SHR Motorsports) will also be the focus of attention in the ADAC MX Masters class. They have all shown in races so far this year that they are in good form and have already staked their claims to one of the top spots in the ADAC MX Masters.

The three junior classes – ADAC MX Youngster Cup, ADAC MX Junior 125 and ADAC MX Junior Cup 85 – also have extremely strong line-ups that include many up-and-coming international stars as well as local talent, and they promise to produce exciting racing at the highest level. In the ADAC MX Youngster Cup, Maximilian Spies from Ortrand will assume the role of local favourite. Maximilian is an MSC Fürstlich Drehna club rider who has graduated from the ADAC MX Junior Cup 125 and will be highly motivated for his home race. “Of course, I know our track like the back of my hand,” says the 15-year-old. “That’s certainly not a disadvantage, and with the support of the home fans behind me, I’m expecting a good result.”

The management committee at MSC Fürstlich Drehna have spared no expense or effort to further enhance the racing experience for the fans. In addition to the mobile grandstand, which was used for the first time last year and met with great approval from the spectators, the club will be installing a giant mobile video screen which will show the entire race plus live timing. It is a first at the club as it marks its 40th anniversary. “This will enable us to give the spectators a view of what’s going on at the less accessible parts of the track and thereby further improve the race day experience,” says Christian Lehmann, chairman of MSC Fürstlich Drehna.

The 89-member club recruits around 400 volunteers on the race weekend to ensure that the event runs smoothly. In addition to the competitive action, there will be various attractions away from the track to entertain visitors young and old. The Suzuki quad course, the ADAC Unfallschutz children’s bouncy castle, a Carrera racetrack and a race simulator will keep the whole family occupied. Motocross memorabilia and accessories will be on sale at booths in the fan zone, and numerous food stalls will be providing refreshments to suit every taste. On Friday evening, a disco party will take place in the marquee, and on Saturday, fans of 90s music will be catered for, with star guest Melanie Müller performing live. Admission to the marquee is free.

On Sunday between 11.45am and 12.15pm, a 30-minute autograph session will be held next to the ADAC Truck in the paddock, offering fans the chance to meet their heroes in person. Four top riders from the ADAC MX Masters class – Dennis Ullrich, Tanel Leok, Brian Hsu and Tom Koch – will be signing autographs and posing for selfies.

The ADAC MX Masters race weekend at Fürstlich Drehna is one of the most important sporting events in the region and pulls in large crowds of enthusiastic spectators every year. Fürstlich Drehna is located approximately 100 kilometres to the south of Berlin and is easily accessible via the A13 motorway. The action on track starts at 9.00am on both days, and the Sunday races begin at 10.30am. An adult weekend ticket costs EUR25.00. A Saturday-only ticket costs EUR15.00. Admission is free for children up to the age of 16 when accompanied by an adult.