Mike Leitner (KTM): From top to bottom / MotoGP

The paddock is a scary place. Mike Leitner is also one of the species whose natural habitat is the race track. Upper Austria has a unique motorsport profile. Once a successful pilot, both nationally and in world championships, Leitner switched to the technical side of the professional game. The former 125cc rider made a name for himself as a regular in the Repsol Honda factory team. Leitner supported Dani Pedrosa’s work there until the end of 2014. There has been a long-term partnership between the driver and crew chief.

What followed was a not-so-fun job in the MotoGP paddock. Leitner posed as the boss of the new KTM MotoGP team. As an Austrian, a former athlete with a high level of technical skills and, above all, thanks to the great routine of several decades on the World Cup field, he was the team’s best candidate for the project. In 2020, Mike Leitner was able to tick another important box – Brad Binder took his first victory on the KTM RC16 in Brno.

For the 2022 season, the man from Wolfgangsee has previously agreed with the KTM management on the role of consultant and thus temporarily parted ways as a permanent part of the paddock.

To take advantage of the high level of awareness generated by the rapid growth of the brand and the fast racing program among the real customer base, the last year was spent developing a special sports program for KTM customers. Which will be launched under the name “Speed ​​Academy” in 2024. The first event in June (June 20/21) at the Salzburgring and thus the place where Mike Leitner equaled his best result in the 125cc World Championship 36 years ago with fifth place.

In preparation for his return to his old workplace, we spoke to the 61-year-old about his new role.

Mike, we’ve come full circle, you’re going back to the Salzburgring. What is your job exactly?
Mike Leitner: “Yes, it’s definitely a special place for everything and I’m looking forward to starting there again with a new mission, even if it’s not on the track. My job is to help make the world of KTM motorcycles and racing more visible to everyday motorcyclists. We want to achieve this through events where we explore the appeal of motor racing with our customers.”

Who exactly would you like to talk to with the College?
“What we don’t want in this phase of the project is a normal track day for hobby racers who already fully understand the theme. We want to give regular KTM riders a chance to enjoy themselves and their bikes on the circuit under ideal conditions. Of course it’s also about training, but we really want to start at the bottom and appeal to those who have never driven or visited a race track in their life.

So your career is already far from your last jobs?
“Yes and no. Of course, each role was about the ultimate goal of winning, but there are also many similarities. Whether it’s a factory driver or a beginner, it’s always about helping the drivers. Whether Jack Miller on the RC16 or John Doe on the 390 Duke doesn’t feel good, we have to understand what is missing and then find and turn the gears to enjoy it. Feeling good on the bike is the real goal.

Everyone has different goals and needs, how do you handle them?
“This academy is created in three parts, we call it “Rookie”, “Amateur” and “Pro”.
The plans are individual and we give customers the opportunity to develop with us. This means that we can also be flexible and easily try to find the best support for participants.
Couples are really learning from the grassroots. There is an off track training program and a very sensible course in the paddock. But if you feel good, you can also go to the ring with full attention. What we’re not doing, as I said, is letting everybody go along.”

What can the cracks between your customers expect?
“We offer you a real professional experience. In addition to the fact that each participant in the Academy gets his own box, there is everything that goes with it today. Technicians from all disciplines, helmet rack, catering and of course the best racing drivers. Our MotoGP boys will be there and on the track in every event. Jack Miller comes to the Salzburgring. Dani Pedrosa, Jonas Folger and Mika Kallio will be at the Red Bull Ring in July (July 17/18) and Pol Espargaro will come to Slovakia for the third event (September 4/5 Exchange with experts these best and our boys “It’s definitely very useful for ambitious drivers.”

Which bikes can you share?
“Basically anyone – as long as it’s a KTM. Initially we only want to deal with KTM customers. They are allowed to bring their motorcycles, especially those that come with axles. A racing bike is not necessary, but of course it is possible, like Krämer KTM. Also we offer the option of renting motorcycles. The current palette of Duke and Super Duke is also a real pleasure on the ring. This can be easily reserved. We have launched our online platform (search term “KTM Academy of Speed”). This is the first step contact us.”

Are there any races planned?
“Not at this stage. But we see this as a long-term project that will grow. And anyone who knows KTM knows that competition is out of the question in the future.

As a runner through racing, will you miss your old job too?
“It’s not the old job, I have an exciting new role. And when I’m not racing, I’m looking in the paddock. Most recently I was at the Superbike World Championship in Barcelona and I’ll also travel to Jerez for the MotoGP. It’s amazing how many people you know after 40 years in the paddock.”

Thanks for the interview and good luck with your new job.