Turkish motorcycle champion leaving racing behind

By Huseyin Dogru

IMOLA, Italy (AA) - Turkey's ace motorcycle racer Kenan Sofuoglu announced the end of his active sports career on Saturday in northern Italy.

After taking part in the qualification rounds of the 5th World Supersport Championship in Imola, Sofuoglu told a press conference that he would end his active sports career.

Afterwards, Sofuoglu’s sponsor Kawasaki Pucetti organized a celebration for the 33-year-old sportsman.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Sofuoglu said that his team organized a “very beautiful” event for him.

"I would like to thank everyone who supported me here. It was a great day for me," he added.

Sofuoglu’s interest in motorcycle racing began in 1996 when he watched his older brother riding two-wheelers.

In 2003, at the age of 16, he began participating in competitions.

In 2007, he won the Supersport World Championship, a motorcycle racing competition on paved surfaces.

After his 2007 win, he became a Kawasaki rider in 2013, and won his third title the same year. In 2015 and 2016 he won two more titles.

Last October, he suffered a hip injury during a qualifying session of the 2017 World Supersport Championship in France.