In 2011, Sofuoglu arrived in the intermediate class of Grand Prix racing as the reigning WorldSSP Champion, having taken his second crown in 2010. With good points finishes and top ten results, a podium taken at the TT Circuit Assen – following reigning MotoGP™ World Champion Marc Marquez home – was the cherry on top.
BREAKING NEWS | Kenan Sofuoglu will ride the last race of his career in Imola! ???? #ImolaWorldSBK pic.twitter.com/phngkxlrmh
— Puccetti Racing Team (@PuccettiRacing) 7 de mayo de 2018
In 2011, Sofuoglu arrived in the intermediate class of Grand Prix racing as the reigning WorldSSP Champion, having taken his second crown in 2010. With good points finishes and top ten results, a podium taken at the TT Circuit Assen – following reigning MotoGP™ World Champion Marc Marquez home – was the cherry on top.
The Turk then returned to WorldSSP for 2012, won his third title – and added two more in 2015 and 2016. Last season, he was fighting for his sixth World Championship when he crashed on Saturday at Magny Cours, injuring his hip. Sitting out that race and the subsequent round in Jerez, the record-breaker returned for the season finale in Qatar to try to defend his crown. Riding through the pain barrier, Sofuoglu took an incredible third and his final podium of the season.
Back on track at Phillip Island this season to begin his quest for crown number six, another crash affecting the same area has contributed to his decision to move on to pastures new – including an important role mentoring WorldSBK rider and compatriot Toprak Razgatliouglu – and Sofuoglu will race once more on Sunday 13th May.
After an incredible career on two wheels, thank you, Kenan!