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Try to imagine how difficult it was for a Turkish boy to stand out in a country in which there were no suitable structures for motorcyclists and where sponsorship, in the early 2000s, was like a mirage.
Kenan Sofuoglu saw all of this and, with the aim of putting himself in the spotlight to see if he could become great, he left his beloved home country to debut as a wild card in World Supersport, taking his first international steps with a R6 provided by Yamaha Motor Germany.
After two tumultuous seasons in Superstock1000 with R1 and having come close to two titles, the courageous Turk moved to Supersport in 2007 with the Honda CBR600 of Dutch team Ten Kate and, thanks to 8 race wins and a total of 12 podiums, Kenan became World Champion for the first time and people, including those in his homeland, started to talk about him.
The rest is more recent history: aside from one tough season in SBK and two Moto2 seasons in which he scored a podium at the Assen race, Sofuoglu decided to return to his first love, the Supersport 600, to which he'd given so much and which would give him so much in return. Further championship titles arrived, and the fifth, scored with the Kawasaki ZX6R of team Puccetti, his second with this team, ensures the 32-year old Turkish rider's place in the history books and confirms his status as a true national hero in a country where the two-wheeled world, also thanks to his image and dedication, is growing exponentially. "I never had any doubts that I could do it - begins Sofuoglu- this year too, I knew what my potential was and was aware that the Puccetti team had the best package for me, or rather, a winning bike and first-rate technical support from the team. Aside from the crash, our aim was to get it done at Magny-Cours but, all in all, it turned out well”.
Summing it up in just a few words like this, Kenan's path might look as if it were a smooth, trouble-free one but the young man had to deal with much more difficult situations than the rest of his on-track rivals. He did so though with dignity, strength, pride, faith and tenacity. Sofuoglu has always been able to react with talent and professionalism, as he himself confirms when he's asked to choose his best championship win: “last year's win was my favourite. To be clear, it wasn't the best win, but it was the one I fought hardest for, the most emotional, with alternating moments of joy and pain. After a great start to the season, with four consecutive wins, I had to deal with the loss of my recently-born son and to stay focused and fast was truly very difficult. In the end I won and know I gave all I could, staying strong and consistent during each session”.
What's the secret to staying focused even in the impossible times?
“I know how to stay focused in any situation, this is thanks to the determination I have I what I do; I feel like a true professional and give 130% on track. I think about my goal, without ever losing focus and I give more than the maximum”.
To whom do you dedicate this fifth title?
“I dedicate it, of course, to my country, to Turkey. I owe my country so much and, here's a scoop, in Qatar I will have a red Kawasaki on Friday and during Saturday's Superpole, in honour of my people, my homeland".
You are 32 and the King of Supersport; what are your future goals?
“In addition to supporting Toprak Razgatlioglu in his career, I've opened a riding school in Turkey, supported by the Turkish federation and my sponsors; I select riders from among hundreds of young boys and girls and then, on track, I select those who deserve to move to international competitions. For example, I've sent three riders to the Asian Cup, I have a guy racing in the SBK trophy series. I'm building my future for when I stop racing. I want to remain in this world, that has given me so much”.
How long will you continue racing?
“If I'm competitive, for another 3 or 4 years. But, I repeat, only if I'm really competitive, I race to win”.
In Turkey you're very popular, almost a king; how is that?
“I like the way I'm viewed in Turkey, and like being a hero. I try to repay all of the attention and affection that I receive by always carrying my nation's flag with me. I have Turkish flag stickers on my helmet, on my leathers, in the garage, everywhere! I do what I do with conviction and am pleased that my people consider me a hero, to be imitated”.
A serious person, extremely faithful to his own philosophy and what he believes in, Kenan is very reserved, and does not like to waste time; when he grants you his time, he does so with respect for his interviewer and with great passion for this sport.
Now you can tell us: what does winning mean to you?
“I consider finishing second as exactly the same as finishing last; the guys who finishes first, wins, from second down you lose. I'm only interested in winning, coming second or losing is not in my DNA. This philosophy has always the drive for my success and this will continue to be the case”.
