WSS: Second's best for Kenan the Destroyer.
Although he didn't add to his season's six-win haul at Brands Hatch on Sunday, Kenan Sofuoglu did enough to secure a first World Supersport championship title for himself and HANNspree.
The Turkish rider finished the tenth round of the championship in second position behind Broc Parkes, claiming 20 points that ensured that he would be crowned before the end of the campaign, and that Ten Kate Honda could celebrate a sixth consecutive WSS series victory.
Although he didn't add to his season's six-win haul at Brands Hatch on Sunday, Kenan Sofuoglu did enough to secure a first World Supersport championship title for himself and HANNspree.
The Turkish rider finished the tenth round of the championship in second position behind Broc Parkes, claiming 20 points that ensured that he would be crowned before the end of the campaign, and that Ten Kate Honda could celebrate a sixth consecutive WSS series victory.
With his lead over the field now 80 points, Sofuoglu is already five beyond the maximum anyone can achieve at Lausitz,Vallelunga and Magny-Cours, having opted to ride a safe race after an early battle with Parkes and Craig Jones. When the British rider crashed out of contention while leading on lap six, Sofuoglu held station in second, knowing that he would pass the chequered flag four positions ahead of closest rival Fabien Foret and secure himself the crown.
"I cannot explain what I am feeling," the Turk admitted, "To win the championship in August is such an amazing feeling - and I don't think anyone has ever done this before.
"The race was actually pretty difficult, particularly in the last laps, as there was so much going on in my head, it was hard to concentrate. I just tried to focus and, once I got to the final lap, I knew I had done it. I have to thank the team because, without them, this would not have been possible. I am so happy!"
Sofuoglu's success in supplanting team-mate Sebastien Charpentier as world champion has naturally raised the question of whether he is a candidate to replace MotoGP-bound James Toseland in the HANNspree Ten Kate WSBK line-up, but team boss Ronald ten Kate would not be drawn on the matter.
"I am almost beyond words," he said, preferring to focus on the title success, "Today has brought the first world title for Kenan - and I think there are many more to come. He is a pretty special kid.
"This is the sixth win for the team, but each one has its own special feel, so you never really get used to it. I have to thank my whole team and sponsors for their hard work, week after week. I am over the moon, lost for words - everything you can think of!"
