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SBK, Toprak Razgatlioglu and BMW, more than a 'Superconcessional' World Championship

After two years chasing Bautista with Yamaha, the Turk has blown up the bank by going all in on the M 1000 RR. Toprak wrote a new page of history that no one would ever have bet on

SBK: Toprak Razgatlioglu and BMW, more than a 'Superconcessional' World Championship

Every victory, every milestone that you achieve in life has its own intrinsic value, different from any other. You want it because of the circumstances under which you achieved it, you want it because of the path you took to get there, and the title won by Toprak Razgatlioglu riding a BMW is no exception.

Recently turned 28, the Turkish acrobat is back enjoying everything from the top of the World. Admiring the same view he had already enjoyed in 2021. When the then Yamaha rider crowned his dream of becoming World Superbike Champion, breaking the six-year dominance of former brand mate, Jonathan Rea, on a Sunday in late November.

It was an unforgettable day for Toprak, who after rejoicing under the scorching Indonesian sun, wrapped in shimmering golden leathers, wanted to dedicate that achievement to the memory of his father Arif - the man who had encouraged him to take his first steps in motocross at the age of five. Then continuing to work hard so that his son could pursue that shared dream of putting the most important trophy of all in his trophy case. Until that tragic motorcycle accident that ended his life in November 2017.

While the one in 2021 was an affirmation of success, this one closed a circle by consecrating the crystalline talent of the Turkish rider. And repaying him, at least in part, for the commitment, effort and sacrifices it took to reach the top of World Superbike and to make his and his father's dream come true. The one put in the trophy cabinet today is a title with a different flavor. A confirmation, not only of Razgatlioglu's prowess and skills. But even more of the strength, determination, and character that the 28-year-old has been able to pull out season after season.

Because "in the end the title is just a trophy, what you are remembered for is your character." Pointed out on the eve of the Round at Estoril by the very man himself, who once he had sized up the championship, and put aside his shyness, showed that he had plenty of personality to spare.

After spending two years trying to play it safe with Alvaro Bautista. Trying to make up for the R1's shortcomings with his borderline riding, to hold his own against his rival's Ducati, Toprak decided to change strategy and blow up the bank by going all in on the BMW, with the help of his inseparable manager Kenan Sofuoglu.

A challenge to regain stimulation and to prove once and for all what he is made of, because the Alanya-born acrobat did not just show the true potential of the M 1000 RR, but jumped the gun. Achieving his first victory with the Bavarian manufacturer in just four races and taking to the title, within one season, a bike that perhaps no one would have dared to bet on until not even a year ago.

Achieved with an incredible year, in which Razgatlioglu was able to string together a record-breaking run of 13 consecutive victories, which only the wall placed inside Turn 15 at Magny-Cours was able to stop. However, without being able to dent, even in the slightest, the BMW ace's confidence and willpower.

Yes, because El Turco is not one to give up or make do. He is a rider with the mentality and hunger of a champion, whose only thought is to win races, one after another, on repeat. Just as he has done in this 2024, in which he has shown, as perhaps never before, that he will stop at nothing and no one.

It is easy to say that all the credit is due to the Superconcessions. But the truth, like it or not, is that it was Toprak's talent and gifts that made BMW's work pay off. Enhancing the potential and strengths of a bike that, hand in glove with its brandmates, was never going to make it to the World Championship this year.

 

Translated by Julian Thomas

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