Diedenbergen, Germany – June 10, 2025 – The opening round of the German Flat Track Cup (GFT Cup) kicked off on May 30th/31st with two days of high-octane racing, sunny skies, and an electric atmosphere at MSC Diedenbergen. With riders from across Europe and a freshly energized domestic flat track scene, the new series made a strong debut—setting the tone for what promises to be a defining season in German flat track racing.
A New Chapter After Krowdrace
Following the closure of the Krowdrace series last year, the GFT Cup emerges as its natural successor—organized jointly by three event teams with the support of the newly founded German Flat Track Club. Established in November 2024 by around 30 active riders, the club brings both structure and community to the sport’s next chapter in Germany.
Notably, Krowdrace founders Martin Hüning and Hermann Köpf were on the grid for Round 1, competing in the Vintage class and symbolizing the smooth transition into a new era of flat track racing in Germany.
Hosted by MSC Dienenbergen
One of Germany’s few speedway clubs with a Flat Track rider as chairman, Felix Haas, MSC Diedenbergen played a crucial role in organizing a seamless and successful event. The weather held perfectly—borderline too hot—and the racing was competitive across all categories.
German Flat Track Round 1 Results
Newbie Class
Beginner riders are now entering the sport with track time and skills already in place. Leading the pack was Christopher Lier (#199), who swept all heats and won the final. A standout debut that also earned him 🥉 in the Classic 89 class.
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🥇 Christopher Lier 🇩🇪
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🥈 Marcel Kleppel 🇩🇪 – Strong form and visible improvement.
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🥉 Jan Junghans 🇩🇪– A steady and promising performance.
Rookie Class
A large and lively field brought tight competition.
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🥇 Finn Lohheider 🇩🇪– With a Speedway background, he showed class and speed, definitely a candidate for the Amateur class.
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🥈 Damian Fettkenhauer 🇩🇪 (#86) – Confident ride and clear progress.
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🥉 Simon Caraballo 🇨🇭 (#194) – Cool and consistent.
Special mention: Oskar van Endert, the youngest rider on a 2-stroke Husqvarna, showed skill beyond his years.
Amateur Class
Raced alongside the Pros but scored separately.
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🥇 Friedrich Altus 🇩🇪 (#47) – Initially registered as a Rookie, promoted and performed flawlessly.
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🥈 Bernd Quergfelder 🇩🇪 (#171) – Consistently strong.
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🥉 Christian Weier 🇩🇪 (#96) – Locked in a solid podium finish.
Female Class
The growing women’s field impressed with speed and style.
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🥇 Steffi Schumacher 🇩🇪 (#74S) of Hombrese Racing – Dominated every round.
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🥈 Raphaela Adamczyk 🇩🇪 (#25) – Excelled on her new Yamaha SR500.
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🥉 Jolanda Westerfeld 🇳🇱 (#8) – Quick and confident on her XR400.
Thunderbike Class
Introduced for Round 1 and likely here to stay. A strong international field.
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🥇 Richard Japin 🇳🇱 (#129) – Controlled performance on a Rotax Framer.
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🥈 Gerben Swaagman 🇳🇱 (#26) – Fast and technically sharp.
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🥉 Stéphane Pion 🇫🇷 (#22) – Solid racing from start to finish.
Classic 89 Class
A standout field of 17 riders brought thrilling action.
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🥇 Uwe Kostrewa 🇩🇪 (#74) – Untouchable throughout the weekend.
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🥈 Oliver Betz 🇩🇪 – Strong showing on his Yamaha TT 540.
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🥉 Christopher Lier 🇩🇪 (#199) – Proved his speed across multiple classes.
Newcomer Michael Beger 🇩🇪 (#13) also impressed in this class on a freshly built Classic machine.
Shameless plug here: yours truly managed to not even get a full lap the whole weekend due to mechanical problems.
Vintage Class
Stylish and gritty as always.
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🥇 Scott Deneux 🇫🇷 (#24) – Fast, fluid, and in control.
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🥈 Martin Hüning 🇩🇪 (#51) – Pushed hard all weekend giving Deneux a run for his money.
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🥉 Patrick Esser 🇩🇪 (#78) – Consistent rides.
Also notable: Hermann Köpf 🇩🇪 (#21) and Jo Hecht 🇩🇪 (#70), who had entertaining battles in the midfield.
Pro Class
A small but elite field featuring several FIM World Championship riders.
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🥇 Menno van Meer 🇳🇱 – A late addition, but dominant from his first lap.
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🥈 Marius Kircher 🇩🇪 – Showing strong progression as an FIM Rookie.
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🥉 William Bonici 🇫🇷 (#179) – Quick and composed all weekend.
Young Italian rider Gioele Compri (#121) also joined the Pro lineup, making the longest journey to race and showing real promise.
With strong attendance, thrilling racing, and a tight-knit community behind it, the GFT Cup has set the stage for an exciting season. All eyes now turn to Round 2, as the competition—and the sport—continues to build momentum across Germany and beyond. Next Stop: Round 2 in Brokstedt on July 26th/27th
