Toprak Razgatlıoğlu has once again proven himself as one of the top names in motorsport by clinching his second Superbike World Championship title. The 27-year-old Turkish rider secured his victory at the 12th and final round of the 2024 season in Spain, solidifying his place in the history of the sport.
A Record-Breaking Triumph
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s latest victory has elevated his status as a legend in the world of motorcycling. Competing in the 12th round of the 2024 World Superbike Championship at the renowned Circuito de Jerez in Spain, Razgatlıoğlu managed to finish in second place, which was enough to secure his second championship title with a total of 493 points. This remarkable achievement comes after a season of consistent performances, including an impressive 13 consecutive wins, setting a new championship record.
Razgatlıoğlu, known globally as “El Turco,” started the penultimate race from pole position. Although he slipped to second early on, he maintained this spot throughout the 20-lap race, crossing the finish line just behind Aruba Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega. Despite finishing second, Razgatlıoğlu’s total points made him unbeatable in the standings, ensuring his championship victory.
Celebrations in Style
After crossing the finish line, Razgatlıoğlu celebrated in his signature style. He performed a celebratory wheelie, much to the delight of the crowd, and was greeted with Turkish flags by his team and loved ones, including his mentor, Kenan Sofuoğlu. In a playful nod to his fans, Toprak donned an alien mask, before heading to the podium in his iconic gold helmet and suit to celebrate his victory.
This triumph marks a significant milestone for Toprak, who won his first Superbike title in 2021 with Yamaha. For the 2024 season, he joined the Rokit BMW team and once again reached the pinnacle of the sport, proving his versatility and dominance in Superbike racing.
Dominance on the Podium
The 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary for Razgatlıoğlu. He has finished on the podium an astonishing 25 times throughout the year, with 17 wins, 6 second-place finishes, and 2 third-place results. His consistency and sheer talent have set new benchmarks in Superbike history, and at just 27, he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible.
With a total of 220 races under his belt in his World Superbike career, Razgatlıoğlu has now achieved an impressive 140 podium finishes, a statistic that further highlights his skill and commitment to the sport.
Securing the Title
Razgatlıoğlu’s closest rival in the standings, Nicolo Bulega, could not close the gap, leaving Toprak’s total of 493 points well beyond Bulega’s 452 points. With only one race left in the season, the gap was insurmountable, making Razgatlıoğlu the clear 2024 World Superbike Champion. The final podium for the season also saw Alvaro Bautista in third place with 356 points, adding further prestige to a fiercely competitive year.
A Second Championship, A New Era for BMW
Toprak’s success also marks a historic achievement for the Rokit BMW team, who celebrated their first-ever World Superbike Championship win. Having joined the team for the 2024 season, Toprak’s outstanding performances brought unprecedented success to BMW in what has been an unforgettable season.
Razgatlıoğlu’s ability to adapt to a new team and still perform at the highest level only adds to his growing legacy in the sport. The future looks bright for the Turkish rider, who shows no signs of slowing down.
