Turkey has produced some of the world’s best motorcycle racers over the years. From the legendary MotoGP rider Kenan Sofuoglu to the current Moto2 racer Can Oncul, Turkey has a rich history of producing world-class racers.
We will take a look at some of the best motorcycle racers in Turkey and explore their achievements. We will also discuss the importance of motorcycle racing in Turkey and its influence on the country’s motorsport culture.
So, let’s get started and find out who the best motorcycle racers in Turkey are!.
1. Toprak Razgatlıoğlu
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu is a Turkish motorcycle racer who has recently made history by winning the 2021 Superbike World Championship, ending Jonathan Rea’s 6-year reign. Razgatlıoğlu competes in the Superbike World Championship aboard a factory-team Yamaha YZF-R1.
This marks a significant milestone in Razgatlıoğlu’s career as he beat Rea, who had won the championship five times in a row prior to 2021. Razgatlıoğlu’s win is the first time in six years that anyone other than Rea has won the championship.
His victory is a testament to his skill and determination, as he was able to outperform the former champion on the same bike. To win the championship, Razgatlıoğlu had to compete against some of the top racers in the world, including Rea.
His victory cements his place as one of the best riders in the world and shows that he is a force to be reckoned with. Razgatlıoğlu’s win is a momentous occasion, not only for Turkish motorcycle racing but for the sport as a whole.
His success shows that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle and that anyone can succeed if they put in the work. It is a victory that will be remembered for years to come.
2. Kenan Sofuoğlu
Kenan Sofuoğlu is an accomplished and celebrated Turkish parliamentarian and a former professional motorcycle racer. He has achieved a remarkable feat in the world of motorsports, having won an impressive five Supersport World Championship titles.
This record is a testament to his incredible skill and determination. Sofuoğlu’s impressive career in motorsports extends beyond his success in the Supersport World Championship.
He also competed in the Superbike World Championship in 2008, and the Moto2 World Championship in 2010 and 2011.
His impressive career demonstrates his ability to compete at the highest level in a variety of racing disciplines. Sofuoğlu’s success in motorsports and his impressive record of five Supersport World Championship titles have earned him a tremendous amount of recognition and respect.
His accomplishments have been celebrated both in his native country of Turkey and around the world. His success in the world of motorsports has made him a household name, and he is an inspiration to many.
3. Barış Tok
Barış Tok is a Turkish professional motorcycle racer who competes in the 600 A category of the Turkish Superstock Championship. His passion for motorcycle racing began at a young age.
When he was fifteen, he started to work for an advertising agency and this is when he developed an interest in BMX. His father saw the potential in Tok and was determined to support his son’s dream.
Therefore, he sold his car and bought his son an enduro motorcycle, allowing Tok to pursue his dream of becoming a professional motorcycle racer.
Tok has since competed in several events, such as the Turkish Superstock Championship, and has achieved success in the 600 A category. His passion and dedication to the sport is inspiring and his success is a testament to his hard work and determination.
4. Ali Efe Yeğin
Ali Efe Yeğin is a highly accomplished Turkish motorcycle racer. He gained significant recognition in 2017 when he won the BMU European f600 championship. This success propelled him to compete in the European Superstock 1000 Championship in 2018.
He was part of the Nutec – Benjan – Kawasaki Team and rode a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR. Yeğin has had a successful career in the sport of motorcycle racing and is considered one of the top riders in the world.
He is a great example of a hardworking and dedicated athlete who has achieved great success in his chosen field.
5. Çağrı Coşkun
Çağrı Coşkun is an accomplished Turkish professional motorcycle racer who competes in the 600cc A category of the Turkish Championship. In 2013, he was granted a wildcard which enabled him to participate in the İstanbul Park round of the Supersport World Championship.
Coşkun raced for the Pacific Racing Team on a Honda CBR600RR, however unfortunately he did not manage to finish the race.
Nevertheless, being chosen as a wildcard to participate in an international race is an impressive feat, and Coşkun has established himself as a professional and capable racer in the Turkish Championship.
6. Yunus Erçelik
Yunus Erçelik is an accomplished Turkish professional motorcycle racer who competes in the Turkish Superbike Championship. His passion for the sport was inherited from his parents who were both motorcyclists.
As the second of four children, Yunus had the opportunity to explore the world of motorcycles and the thrill of riding from a young age. His father was a major influence in his decision to pursue a career in motorcycling.
He was able to witness the joy his parents experienced when they rode and was inspired to do the same. As he grew older, he was able to further develop his skills and eventually became a professional racer.
He now competes at the highest level of motorcycle racing in Turkey and continues to strive for excellence. Yunus Erçelik is a testament to the power of determination and passion.
7. Mert Aytuğ
Mert Aytuğ is a professional driver and motorcycle racer from Turkey. He is a seasoned competitor, having taken part in a range of different motor racing events.
These include one-make series, which feature cars of the same make, model, and specification; Formula Three class, a type of motor racing that is run on purpose-built circuits; and motorcycle races in the 600cc C category, a class of motorcycle racing in which the engine size is limited to 600cc.
Mert has developed a reputation for his skill and commitment to the sport. He has participated in a variety of prestigious competitions and has consistently shown a level of excellence that has seen him become one of the top racers in his respective fields.
He has achieved numerous victories and podium finishes in his racing career, demonstrating his dedication and passion for the sport. Mert is a respected figure in the motor racing community and his achievements have earned him admiration throughout the industry.
He is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication, and his impressive racing career is a testament to his commitment to the sport.
8. Deniz Öncü
Deniz Öncü is a Turkish motorcycle racer who is currently participating in the Moto3 World Championship with the Red Bull KTM Ajo team. He has a twin brother, Can, who also competes in motorcycle racing.
The two brothers have the privilege of being mentored by the experienced and successful Turkish multi-world champion motorcycle racer, Kenan Sofuoğlu. Kenan has had great success in the world of motorcycle racing, winning multiple championships over the years.
This experience and knowledge has been invaluable for Deniz and Can as they strive to become the best motorcycle racers that they can be. The guidance and support that Kenan provides has been an important part of their journey to reach the highest level of motorcycle racing.
9. Bahattin Sofuoğlu
Bahattin Sofuoğlu was a successful motorcycle racer from Adapazarı, Turkey. He was born to a motorcycle repairman and started racing in 1997 at the age of nineteen.
Bahattin was part of the Turkish Honda team and had two brothers, Sinan and Kenan, who also took up motorcycle racing. It appears that Bahattin inherited his father’s passion for motorcycles and grew up surrounded by the sport.
He was able to use his knowledge and experience to excel in the sport. His success with the Turkish Honda team is a testament to his skill and commitment to the sport.
Even more impressive is that his two brothers also followed in his footsteps and became successful motorcycle racers as well. Bahattin and his brothers’ accomplishments serve as a reminder of the importance of hard work and dedication to any sport.
10. Can Öncü
Alexander Öncü is a talented Turkish motorcycle racer. In 2019, he competed in the Moto3 series, and for the 2020 and 2021 seasons he switched to the World Supersport series.
He was supported by a new racing team called Turkish Racing Team, which was founded by former Turkish racer Kenan Sofuoğlu and was sponsored by Pucetti Kawasaki and Orelac Racing.
This venture enabled Alexander Öncü to compete at a higher level and to hone his skills in the sport. His progress and achievements in the World Supersport series demonstrate his commitment and dedication to the sport of motorcycle racing.
11. Sinan Sofuoğlu
Sinan Sofuoğlu was a professional motorcycle racer hailing from Turkey. He is most well-known for his impressive racing career, which spanned over two decades. He began his career in the early 2000s, competing in the Turkish National Championship.
He quickly rose to fame, winning the championship three times in a row from 2003 to 2005. He also competed in the Supersport World Championship, where he won the championship title in 2010.
He is the only rider to have won the championship twice, in 2010 and again in 2011. Throughout his career, Sinan Sofuoğlu has been an ambassador for Turkish motorcycling.
He was the first Turkish rider to compete in the Supersport World Championship, and his success has inspired many young Turkish riders to pursue a career in motorcycling.
He is also credited with popularizing the sport in Turkey, as well as helping to raise awareness of motorcycle safety in the country. Unfortunately in 2019, Sinan Sofuoğlu announced his retirement from racing due to health reasons.
Although he may no longer be competing, his legacy will live on in the world of motorcycling. He is an inspiration to many, and his achievements will be remembered for years to come.
12. Harun Çabuk
Harun Çabuk is an accomplished Turkish motorcycle racer. He competes in numerous races across the world and currently rides for the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing team.
His machine of choice is a Kawasaki Ninja 300, a lightweight, nimble motorcycle designed for racing.The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is a popular choice for many racers due to its lightweight frame and excellent handling traits.
It is also fitted with a powerful engine that is capable of producing impressive speeds.
With its reliable performance, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is a great choice for any racer looking to maximize their performance. Harun Çabuk is a talented rider and has achieved success with his Kawasaki Ninja 300.
He has been able to consistently place in the top ten of many races, showing his skill and dedication to the sport.
Harun’s accomplishments have made him a fan favorite and a respected member of the racing community. Overall, Harun Çabuk is an accomplished racer who is committed to success.
He has been able to achieve great results with his Kawasaki Ninja 300, and his dedication to the sport is admirable. He is an inspiration to all racers and an example of what perseverance and hard work can do.
13. Bahattin Sofuoğlu
Bahattin Sofuoğlu is a Turkish professional motorcycle racer who comes from a family of riders. He is the third generation racer in his family and is currently competing in the Supersport World Championship.
He is riding a F3 800 RR for MV Agusta Reparto Corse, one of the premier teams in the championship. The Sofuoğlu family have been racing for decades and have produced some talented riders.
Bahattin is following in his family’s footsteps and is making a name for himself in the world of motorcycle racing. He is competing in the Supersport World Championship, a highly competitive series, and is riding a F3 800 RR for MV Agusta Reparto Corse.
This is one of the top teams in the championship and they are providing him with the support he needs to succeed. Bahattin is working hard to make his mark in the sport and reach the same level of success as his family.
He is pushing himself to the limit and striving to make the most of his time in the championship. His hard work and determination are sure to pay off in the end and he will no doubt be a successful racer for many years to come.
Conclusion
Turkey is home to some of the world’s best motorcycle racers. They have achieved great success on both local and international circuits, and have helped to bring attention to the country’s thriving motorsport scene.
From the legendary Kenan Sofuoglu to the younger generation of riders such as Can Akkaya and Burak Bilgiç, Turkey has a lot of top riders to be proud of. Long may their success continue!.
