When the name Sarholz is mentioned in the paddock of the ADAC MX Masters, a piece of German motocross history always resonates. Hardly any other team stands so much for continuity, passion and sporting success over several decades. But the Sarholz Racing Team is by no means just a relic of days gone by – it has reinvented itself.

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With André Sarholz at the helm, the team has been restructured and modernized in recent years without losing its roots. This was not done loudly, not radically – but step by step, with a clear view of what works and a sense of what needs to change.

From the beginnings to an institution

The history of the team from the Westerwald goes back to the mid-1980s. It was founded by Burkhard Sarholz and it all started on a small scale and - as is so often the case in motocross - out of pure passion. Over decades, the Sarholz Racing Team has developed into a permanent fixture in German motocross. Burkhard himself was active in motor sports, including racing on quads and the legendary "trikes" with the three thick balloon tires. This still makes his grandson André smile today: "I could never imagine it until I saw pictures of him really standing there at such a race." This family roots can still be felt today. Motocross was never just a sport in the Sarholz family – it was always part of life.

The Honda years: success

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Team Sarholz made a name for itself with Honda. It was the time when the team finally established itself at the top level. International drivers, especially from the Benelux region such as Gert Jan van Doorn, Danny Theybers and more shaped the picture as well as top German drivers such as Didi Lacher, Bernd Eckenbach and Colin Dugmore. Winning the first ADAC MX Masters title in 2005 by Ken De Dycker marked the last highlight of the Honda era.

But it was not only titles that distinguished the team. It was the way they worked. The philosophy under Burkhard Sarholz was clear: sporting success was the focus. "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday". Motorsport was primarily a competitive sport, marketing played a much smaller role than it does today. At the same time, the team was known for its technical capabilities. Thanks to excellent contacts between Burkhard Sarhoz and the then technical director Wilhelm Würz to the Honda factory team and a strong network, Sarholz was able to fall back on parts and developments that were not accessible to everyone. These opportunities were and still are an important strength of the team.

Switching to KTM: A landmark decision

In the mid-2000s, a decisive step followed: the switch to KTM. The trigger was an offer from the Austrian manufacturer. For many outsiders, the change came as a surprise - but in retrospect it was trend-setting. The cooperation with KTM proved to be stable and successful - it is still a central part of the team today. "Burkhard keeps telling me to this day that he never regretted the step," says André. KTM opened up a new perspective not only in terms of sport, but also structurally. The team increasingly developed into a professional overall package of racing team, dealer and service company. Motorcycles, spare parts, suspension service – Sarholz became the complete address for motorcycle enthusiasts, not only in the off-road bike sector. Today, the company is an authorized dealer of the brands KTM, Husqvarna, Gasgas and CF Moto at the Niederroßbach site.

Generation change: André takes over

The most recent major change followed when André Sarholz took over responsibility. Unlike in many family businesses, a generation was skipped: the management passed directly from the grandfather to the grandson. For André Sarholz, motocross was never something he consciously "discovered". It was just always there. "I was always there from the beginning, remembered an infinite number of races," he says. Racing, paddock, mechanic – all of this was part of his everyday life from an early age. But the active role in the team did not develop until later. From around 2014, Burkhard involved him more closely in contractual and organisational matters, before André finally took over responsibility for the racing team and the company in 2019. The transition was smooth. Burkhard and Edith Sarholz are still present and support in the background. At the same time, André has the freedom to implement the ideas of him and his team together with his dedicated troupe.

Evolution instead of revolution

The changes under André Sarholz were deliberately chosen. It's not about reinventing the team, it's about developing it further. "The requirements have simply become higher," he says. While in the past the focus was on sporting success, today many other factors are decisive. Sponsors expect visibility, content and added value. Social media, branding and communication have become integral parts of everyday team life. Balance remains crucial. "We have to keep the old structure to a certain extent because it's good. You can build on it very well." At the same time, it is a matter of "turning a few screws" in order to remain competitive in the future. The team has expanded its presence, created content and positioned itself in a more modern way. At the same time, one basic principle remained untouched: quality. The name Sarholz should continue to stand for high-quality motorcycles, perfect setup and professional support.

The new focus: young talent and identification

One of the most formative decisions of recent years concerns the driver strategy. While the focus used to be on top international riders, today the focus is more on German-speaking talents. For André Sarholz, this was a conscious decision: "Personally, I would like to develop young German drivers." At the same time, he also sees it as a responsibility: "As a German team, we also have to make sure that we support German talents internationally." This orientation brings challenges, because success is not always immediate, development takes time. But that's exactly where the attraction lies for the team. It's not just about short-term results, it's about sustainable development. Of course, the goal in the ADAC MX Masters is to win the title, while the younger racing classes serve to develop the next generation of racing.

Tom Koch and Noah Ludwig: Two faces of the team

In the ADAC MX Masters, Tom Koch and Noah Ludwig currently represent the team's colours. Tom Koch returned to the team in 2026 after a few years and stands for experience and professionalism. His decision for Sarholz was conscious and clear. For him, it's the overall package that counts – an environment in which he feels comfortable and can deliver his performance. Noah Ludwig, on the other hand, is a prime example of the team's youth work. His first ADAC MX Masters overall victory in Mölln in 2025 is one of the most emotional moments for André in recent years. "That was a special moment somehow," he recalls, "I was a bit emotionally touched, because working with Noah is an absolute project of the heart." But the team is not limited to the top class. Sarholz is also broadly positioned in the ADAC MX Youngster Cup and in the ADAC MX Junior Cup classes with riders such as Lyonel Reichl, Linus Jung, and Leon Rudolph. Young drivers are given the opportunity to develop under professional conditions – often the first step towards top class.

The secret of success: detailed work and trust

What has distinguished Sarholz for decades is its attention to detail. "We don't just put a motorcycle in front of the rider and say, you have to ride it now," explains André. Instead, intensive work will be done over the winter to develop the best possible setup for each driver individually. The mechanics such as Nino Zimmermann and Gerrit Knipprath often show a lot of passion and commitment beyond normal working hours. At the same time, trust plays a central role. Drivers should be able to concentrate on the essentials. "In the best case, the driver comes to the race and doesn't have to worry about anything else," André describes the claim. It is this overall package of technology, support and environment that convinces many drivers – and which repeatedly leads to former drivers wanting to return.

ADAC MX Masters: The most important stage

"The ADAC MX Masters is our core championship," says André without hesitation. Here you want to be present, here you want to be successful and in front of your home crowd. The series is not only relevant from a sporting point of view, but also of central importance for partners and sponsors. International appearances such as in the World Championship serve to increase the intensity and to prepare optimally for the Masters races.

Passion that lasts

Despite all the structure and professionalism, it is ultimately the passion that drives the team. For André Sarholz, motocross is not a profession in the classic sense. "As soon as I go to the race, it's always something special for me," he says. No matter how stressful the week was, it feels right at the track. It is this enthusiasm that holds the team together and drives it. It shows up in long working days, in conversations until late at night and in the willingness to always invest a little more.

Looking ahead

André Sarholz sees the future with confidence. The goal is clearly formulated: "We still want to compete for championships in ten years." The way to get there is through continuous development. Not everything can be implemented immediately, many things take time. But the direction is right. With a strong partner, a clear strategy and a new generation at the top, the team is well positioned to continue to play a formative role in German motocross in the future.

"Sarholz Reloaded" does not stand for a new beginning, but for a successful further development. For a team that knows its history – and is therefore ready to actively shape the future. And one thing is certain: as long as passion, precision and team spirit count in the paddock, the name Sarholz will not disappear. And how exactly things work behind the scenes of the team will be revealed in the course of this season in the second season of the video documentary "Next Level" on the YouTube channel of Gasoline closely following them.