Ten Kate Honda's Turkish star was entered at last weekend's Assen round as a reward for his total domination of WSS this season. Sofuoglu will graduate with Ten Kate to the premier class in 2008.
"We decided to enter Kenan for the Dutch Superbike race at Assen as a reward for his world championship win this year," said team manager Ronald ten Kate. "He took things very seriously, posting impressive lap times and winning the first race. Of course, the Dutch championship is very different from World Superbikes as it is basically a Superstock machine with slick tyres. However, Kenan adapted very quickly to the machinery and got on really well."
"I like to thank the team for giving me the chance to ride the Honda CBR1000RR last weekend at Assen - it was my first ever race experience with this machinery and I truly enjoyed it," added Kenan.
With his first Superbike victory under his belt, Sofuoglu will now turn his attention back to winning the final two rounds of the World Supersport championship, starting this weekend at Vallelunga.
"I can't wait for this weekend. I feel like I have something to prove after Lausitz. I really wanted to win there and I tried my best but it didn't work out," said Sofuoglu. "This weekend I am so determined and I really want to win the race. These could be my last two races in Supersport and I want to go out on top. My ambition is to get at least two podium finishes, but of course, I want the victories!"
Team-mate and former champion Sébastien Charpentier is just as eager to do well in Italy after a season plagued with bad luck and injuries - including a pelvic fracture during round three.
"It's been a tough season, but I'm still determined to finish it with a successful race," said the Frenchman, still to sign for 2008. "The team is working really hard to solve the problems and I am confident we can end on a good note."
