Kenan Sofuoglu announces his retirement from racing

Bruno Gomes

May 7, 2018

Kenan Sofuoglu is a 5-time World Supersport Champion

Five-time World Supersport champion Kenan Sofuoglu just announced that he will make his last career race this next weekend at Imola. The Kawasaki Puccetti rider has been hindered by many injuries over the last couple of years, and so he decided to end his 20-year racing career.

At 33 years of age, Kenan Sofuoglu has been a force to be reckoned with at the World Superbike Championship, especially at Supersport level where he is a 5-time champion.

Sofuoglu is still affected by a hip injury suffered last season at Magny Cours, and a horrific crash at season opener in Phillip Island made things worse for the Kawasaki rider, which since then hasn’t been back on a race bike.

Sofuoglu explains his decision: “As the [Turkish] President wishes I am going to retire from racing this weekend, and I will celebrate my 20 years of racing anniversary this weekend! In the last couple of months I had a few injures which made my family very afraid, as well as our President. I have decided to retire from racing earlier than I originally thought, but I can’t say I am sad because I have already coached and trained a few Turkish riders who will carry the flag for me. I started my racing career 20 years ago, with a goal to race in the world championships, and I have won the world title five times; I am very thankful for that. Many people supported me while winning these titles and I want to thank everyone for that. For Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Team and for my fans, I will be on track one last time from 11th – 13th May in Italy”.

Over the 20 years he’s been racing, Kenan Sofuoglu is set to take to the track one last time in Imola, and will sign off with a total of 85 podiums, 43 victories and countless moments we will all remember while battling to beat his rivals on track.