British moto-journalist Michael Guy interviewed Turkish roadracing sensation Kenan Sofuoğlu last year for February’s Race Watchfeature, “Turkish Delight.” Not included in the story is the following brief Q&A, which offers additional insight into the reigning World Supersport champion’s life, both at and away from the racetrack. This year, Sofuoğlu, the first-ever Turkish motorsport world champion and the first rider to win eight WSS races in a single season, will team with former MotoGP star Carlos Checa on Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RRs in World Superbike.
Why don’t you spray champagne when you’re on the podium?
“It’s down to my brother, Bahattin. Before he died, he won a race in Turkey and on the podium he said that he didn’t want to spray the champagne because he was in a Muslim country. I wasn’t riding at the time, but I always looked up to him, and at that moment I said to myself if I am a rider in the future I will do the same and not spray champagne. I know that might not always be possible, so I asked a Muslim teacher about this. He told me it is not a big problem for me to do it, but at the moment I will try and keep my promise to my brother.”
Similar to Valentino Rossi, your post-race celebrations have been pretty extravagant and your fan club is extremely passionate. What is the explanation for this?
“My fan club is from London. I did not tell them anything about the racing; they just came. For me, racing is a big show, so if you want to be a good person for the spectators then you must do something. They have bothered to come and watch you, so it’s good to do something for them, especially if you win the race. Sometimes the team is not happy about this, but I tell them it is important to have happy people in the crowd.”
Can you continue to win?
“Before I got to this level, I was only thinking about winning each race. But it is not like this now; I am not alone making a private race. I am part of a big team, and they are all working very hard to be champion. If everything was up to me I would go for the win 100 percent, but as a team we want to win the title and we can not do stupid things.”
Where do you live during the season?
“I live in my camper, and I stay very close to the team so that I can build the relationship with my mechanics and learn English. If you are really close to your mechanics, it helps make good results. I don’t have a TV in my camper; I am not in Europe to watch TV. I’m here to be a motorcycle racer. I spend a lot of time alone, but I always keep my concentration on racing.”
Kenan Sofuoğlu’s Career History: 2007: World Supersport Championship (Winner) 2006: World Supersport Championship (Third) 2005: European Superstock Championship (Second) 2004: European Superstock Championship (Third) 2003: German Supersport Championship (Second) 2002: Yamaha R6 Cup Germany (Winner) 2001: Turkish Supersport Championship (Second)
