Source: Supplied.

Kawasaki Puccetti Racing rider and five-time World Supersport (WorldSSP) champion Kenan Sofuoglu has announced his retirement from racing ahead of this weekend’s fifth round of the series in Imola, Italy, which will mark his final outing in the world championship.

This weekend’s round will coincide with Sofuoglu’s 20th anniversary of racing, however it’s been a recent list of significant injuries that ultimately played the deciding factor in his retirement.

“As how the President wishes I am going to retire from racing this weekend,” said Sofuoglu. “I will celebrate my 20 years of racing anniversary this weekend. [The] last couple of months I had a few injures which made my family very afraid, also our President. We decided to retire from racing earlier then what I was thinking.

“I can’t say I am sad because I already have a few Turkish riders which I trained to race and carry our flag. 20 years ago I started my racing career with a goal to race in the world championships – we 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.”

Sofuoglu captured the WorldSSP crown in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016, and has recorded 43 victories in the division. A replacement for the Turkish ace is yet to be determined.