An “emotional” UK WorldSBK awaits Sam Lowes and the Mark VDS crew following the passing of crew proprietor Mark van der Straten.
The demise of 78-year-old Van der Straten was confirmed final Sunday (5 July). The Marc VDS KM99 crew competed in Suzuka final weekend, however the weekend of July 10-12 shall be their first WorldSBK race weekend and Moto2 spherical since then.
Van der Straaten’s demise was significantly devastating for Sam Lowes, with the British rider having been in Moto2 with the Mark VDS crew since 2020 earlier than transferring to WorldSBK in 2024.
Sam Lowes, 2026 Emilia Romagna World SBK. Credit score: Gold and Goose.
© Gold & Goose
“It will be a unique weekend. It is a shock, I did not count on it and it is going to be emotional,” Sam Lowes informed WorldSBK.com forward of the Donington race.
“It’s extremely troublesome as a result of Marc (van der Straaten) has supported my profession and my household loads.
“We’re proud to be right here and to do the very best work we will in his title. He had an enormous ardour for all issues motorsport, vehicles and bikes.
“A few of my finest races have been in his colours and I’m going to attempt to proceed that this weekend.”
Sam Lowes, 2026 Emilia Romagna World SBK. Credit score: Gold and Goose.
© Gold & Goose
Much like the timing of the spherical the place van der Straaten died, Donington is a house spherical for Lowes, who shall be seeking to thrive on the circuit he received en path to the Supersport title in 2013.
“I dwell lower than 20 minutes from right here, so it is positively my house race,” Legal guidelines mentioned.
“We hope to have numerous help from our at all times superb British followers.
“It is a track that matches our type.
“We have had some dangerous rounds so we’re centered on getting outcome. It will be battle for third place. Montella has taken an enormous step and Alex (Lowes) has been constant for a very long time. Let’s examine what occurs this weekend.”
