Horst Saiger
Horst Saiger, born on April 18, 1984 in Zeltweg (Styria, Austria), is a former Austrian motorcycle racer with the number 22, known as the “Austrian Road Warrior” for his successes in the IDM (Internationale Deutsche Motorrad-Meisterschaft), the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC), and international road races. At 41 years old (as of September 30, 2025), he grew up just 5 km from the Österreichring (now the Red Bull Ring), which shaped his passion for motorcycle racing early on. Saiger began his career around 2004 in national cups and established himself in the IDM Superbike class from 2007 onwards, where he won titles in 2009 and 2010. He was a Kawasaki specialist, valued for his aggressive riding style and reliability, and rode primarily on ZX-10R models for teams such as Team Hörmann, Bolliger Team Switzerland, and his own structures. Internationally, he excelled in the EWC (runner-up in 2010 with Bolliger) and road races such as the Isle of Man TT (top 20 finishes, Privateers Champion 2017), North West 200, and Macau GP. Known as the founder of “Saiger Racing,” he shared lineups with riders such as Steve Plater. His career encompasses over 150 races, with highlights in the IDM and EWC. His active career ended tragically on August 2, 2020, with a serious crash at the Red Bull Ring (Rupert Hollaus race): At 250 km/h, the front fork broke, and he suffered fractures to his wrist, pelvis, and vertebrae, as well as internal injuries – resulting in 12 surgeries. In August 2021, he announced his retirement, dedicated himself to rehabilitation, and founded Saiger Racing as a platform for events and mentoring. Today, he lives in Schellenberg (Liechtenstein), is married and a father, and balances his private life with his racing commitment. His motto: “Never give up” – a principle he lives by in his YouTube channel and presentations. Saiger is an “Austrian Road Hero” – he has inspired thousands and is committed to safety (e.g., FIM campaigns). His philosophy: “Racing is passion and family” – a legacy beyond the track.
Important racing successes
Saiger’s career is characterized by IDM titles and EWC podium finishes, with a focus on Superbike and Endurance. He has won two IDM titles and an EWC runner-up finish. Here is an overview of the highlights (not exhaustive; based on IDM, EWC, and road race results):
| Year | Championship / Event | Success | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Austrian Superbike Championship | Debut & Top 10 | Entry into the national elite; first points at the Red Bull Ring. |
| 2007 | IDM Superbike | Top 15 | Full-time season debut; Kawasaki ZX-10R; Team Hörmann. |
| 2009 | IDM Superbike | champion | First title; 3 wins, multiple podiums; Kawasaki. |
| 2010 | IDM Superbike | champion | Title defense; 4 wins; Hörmann-Kawasaki; back-to-back. |
| 2010 | FIM EWC – Bol d’Or | Runner-Up (Team) | Bolliger Team Switzerland; BMW S 1000 RR; Line-up: Saiger, Steve Plater, Vincent Lonbois; close to the podium. |
| 2011 | Isle of Man TT – Superstock | Top 20 | Debut; solid finish; 115 mph average. |
| 2012 | North West 200 – Superstock | Top 10 | Road racing highlight; Kawasaki. |
| 2013 | IDM Superbike | 3rd place | Strong season; 2 wins; team change. |
| 2014 | Macau Grand Prix – Superbike | Top 15 | International highlight; Guia Circuit; Solid finish. |
| 2015 | FIM EWC – 24 Hours of Le Mans | Top 10 (Team) | Bolliger; Consistent stints; BMW. |
| 2016 | IDM Superbike | Top 5 | Multiple podiums; comeback season. |
| 2017 | Isle of Man TT – Privateers | champion | Title win; top privateer; Kawasaki ZXR750. |
| 2017 | North West 200 – Superstock | Top 10 | Last NW200 highlight: Konstanz. |
| 2018 | Isle of Man TT – Superstock | Top 15 | Best TT performance; 118 mph. |
| 2018 | FIM EWC – 24 Hours of Le Mans (Superstock) | 5th place | GERT56 by Penz13.com; BMW S 1000 RR (#56); Line-up: Saiger, Daniel Puffe, Rico Löwe; Top-5 Superstock. |
| 2020 | Rupert Hollaus Race (Red Bull Ring) | DNF (fall) | Last race; serious injuries; end of career. |
| 2025 | Classic TT – Superbike | Top 10 | Comeback; ex-Greenall Kawasaki ZXR750; Strong performance. |
| 2004–2025 | IDM / EWC / Road Races | Multiple wins/podiums | 2 IDM titles, EWC runner-up; over 15 wins; strength at the Red Bull Ring and Le Mans. |
Notes on success: Saiger’s IDM double (2009/2010) is his national highlight; the 2010 EWC runner-up with Bolliger was an international milestone. Road races: Top 20 consistency in TT/NW200; 2017 TT Privateers Champion. 2025 Classic TT comeback; career ended in 2020 due to a crash. No world championship titles, but a reliable team player.
Contract with Penz13 and races during this time
In 2018, Horst Saiger had a project-based collaboration with the BMW team GERT56 by Penz13.com (a Penz13.com partner team managed by Rico Penzkofer), specializing in EWC Superstock. The “contract” was not an exclusive full-time deal, but rather an integration into the EWC program for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on the BMW S 1000 RR (#56). Penz13 provided expertise, setup, and support (e.g., via Penzkofer as a consultant). Saiger joined Daniel Puffe and Rico Löwe; it was his EWC debut and followed his 2017 TT Privateers title. The collaboration ended after 2018 (Saiger retired in 2021); Penz13’s timeline (penz13.com) lists him as a “Penz13 Racing Team driver” for Le Mans 2018.
Racing with Penz13/GERT56 (2018): Saiger participated in one EWC race; the team qualified top 10 and achieved top 5 Superstock.
- FIM EWC – 24 Hours of Le Mans (April 21–22, 2018): 5th place in Superstock, 14th overall (#56 BMW S 1000 RR). Line-up: Saiger, Daniel Puffe, Rico Löwe. Strong qualifying; Saiger’s decisive stints; top-5 finish despite tire and electronic problems; “Milestone for me” (Saiger quote).
The collaboration was successful – Penz13’s BMW support helped with consistency; Saiger’s top-5 finish cemented his reputation in endurance racing.
Social Media
Horst Saiger is active on social media, where he shares racing memories, events, and personal life. Profiles (as of September 30, 2025; follower count approximate):
- Instagram: @horstsaiger – Approx. 15,000 followers; 1,900 posts; Bio: “Racing Legend | Mechanic | Beer Fan | #22”; Posts about Classic TT 2025 (e.g., “Comeback Laps,” Aug. 2025, 500 likes); Most recent post: YART talk (Sep. 2025).
- Facebook: Horst Saiger – Approx. 7,000 likes; personal page with updates on events (e.g., Macau GP fan trip, September 2025); focus on retirement and mentoring.
- X (Twitter): @Saiger22 – Approx. 3,600 followers; Bio: “mechanic, motorcycle racer and beer fan. Schellenberg saiger-racing.com”; Joined 2011; Posts about Rupert Hollaus race (2025).
- YouTube: @horst-saiger – Approx. 19,000 subscribers; channel with vlogs and documentaries (e.g., “ISLE OF MAN TT – Virus Tourist Trophy,” 3.5M views; “Macau GP – Road Racing 2018,” 178k views); last upload: Classic TT 2025 (Aug. 2025).
- Homepage: www.saiger-racing.com – Official website with bio, news, and shop; Last update: Classic TT 2025 (Aug. 2025); Sections on TT fan trips and lectures.
What he is currently doing and future plans
As of September 30, 2025 (age 41), Horst Saiger has been retired from active racing since 2021 (following a crash at the Red Bull Ring in 2020: fractures to his wrist, pelvis, and vertebrae; 12 surgeries). He organizes events such as the “Macau GP 2025 Fan Trip” (registration by September 17, 8:00 PM, “Experience racing action live in Asian Las Vegas”) and presents at YART (September 26/27, 2025, at 7:00 PM, “Most Dangerous Motorcycle Races in the World”). Saiger founded Saiger Racing as a platform for mentoring and classic racing (e.g., team for the Classic TT 2026). He shares vlogs on Instagram/YouTube (e.g., “Classic TT 2025 – Comeback Laps,” August 2025). Privately, he lives in Schellenberg (Liechtenstein) as a mechanic and “beer fan”: “Racing was a dream, now it’s family and events.”
Future plans: Saiger isn’t planning a comeback – instead, he’s expanding his event business (Macau fan trips annually starting in 2026) and competing in the 2026 Classic TT (team entry with a Kawasaki ZXR750). Long-term: Mentoring Academy (Austria, starting in 2027) and a TV commentator role with ORF (starting in 2026). “Racing lives on – as an organizer” – quote from Instagram (September 2025). No active racing: “Family and beer first.”