By Ilja Caljouw will lead Performance Racing Achterhoek’s 2018 IRRC Supersport assault, replacing reigning champion Joey Den Besten who’s set to lead the teams Superbike challenge.
One of the Netherlands rising roads stars, Smilde based Caljouw still a relative newcomer to IRRC competition, 2017 roads campaign proved a mixed one.
A rostrum finisher on home soil at Hengelo, his season hit a major stumbling block following an incident in the second Supersport encounter at Imatranajo.
Sidelined through injury for the rounds at Chimay, Schleiz and Horice, Ilja was back in action at the final round of the season at Frohburg which saw him link up for the first time with Performance Racing Achterhoek.
Photo by Robby Repsol
12th in the opening Supersport race, his display’s at Germany’s most famous roads venue on his return to competitive action added to the confidence of his new employers that in 2018 aboard high spec YZF R6 Yamaha machinery he can be a regular contender for rostrum finishes.
Next season is also set to see him venture over to the North West 200 for the first time, as he joins new team mate two time IRRC Supersport champ Den Besten in taking on the challenge of the world famous Triangle course.
Words by Stevie Rial
