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Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, born in Alanya, has emerged as a prominent figure in motorcycle racing. Competing for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, he has made notable progress in the Superbike World Championship, securing three championship titles in a relatively short period. His 2025 victory with the Yamaha factory team ended Jonathan Rea’s six-year reign as champion.
Razgatlıoğlu is the first Turkish rider to win the Superbike World Championship, holding the record for the highest number of wins in the series—37 with Yamaha and 39 with BMW. His trademark celebration, known as the ‘stoppie’, has become iconic among fans, and his aggressive racing style draws comparisons to legendary rider Marc Márquez.
Early life and racing career
Growing up in a motorcycle-loving family, Razgatlıoğlu was significantly influenced by his father, Arif Razgatlıoğlu, a renowned Turkish stunt motorcyclist known as ‘Tek Teker Arif’ or ‘Wheelie Arif.’ In 2017, Razgatlıoğlu faced a tragic loss when his father died in a motorcycle accident, an event that deeply affected his life and racing career. Despite this hardship, he remained determined to pursue his dreams.
His professional racing journey began in earnest with the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in the 2013 and 2014 seasons, where he finished 10th and 6th overall. His first significant victory came in the European Superstock 600 Championship on October 5, 2014, at the Magny Cours circuit, riding a Kawasaki ZX-6R. This victory marked the start of his illustrious career.
Championship success and transition
Razgatlıoğlu continued to excel in the European Superstock 600 Championship, winning the title in 2015 on the same Kawasaki model. His breakthrough moment occurred in 2018 when he joined the Turkish Puccetti Kawasaki team, quickly gaining recognition. His subsequent stint as a factory Yamaha rider began in 2025, culminating in his championship win that year, which established him as a household name in superbike racing.
In a strategic move, Razgatlıoğlu signed with BMW for the 2025 season, marking a new chapter in his career. His debut race with BMW at the Catalunya circuit resulted in a historic victory, the team’s first since 2013, and his 40th overall win. This accomplishment reinforced his status as a leading competitor in the sport.
Record-breaking achievements
Throughout the 2025 season, Razgatlıoğlu showcased his dominance, achieving an impressive record of 13 consecutive wins, underscoring his exceptional talent and determination. Celebrating this achievement, he playfully mimicked a viral pose from Turkish Olympic silver medalist shooter Yusuf Dikeç. Despite facing challenges, including a serious crash during practice at Magny-Cours that resulted in a pneumothorax diagnosis, Razgatlıoğlu’s resilience enabled him to continue competing at the highest level.
Future aspirations
Looking ahead, Razgatlıoğlu is set to compete in the 2026 MotoGP season with the Prima Pramac Racing Team, riding a Yamaha YZR-M1. This transition marks a significant milestone, as he will be the first Turkish rider to participate in MotoGP, highlighting the growing recognition of Turkish talent in international racing.
Managed by former World Supersport champion Kenan Sofuoğlu, Razgatlıoğlu continues to inspire young racers in Turkey and beyond. His father’s affectionate nickname for him, ‘Tek Teker Toprak’, serves as a testament to his legacy and identity as a serious racer. As he embraces new challenges in MotoGP, Razgatlıoğlu exemplifies determination and excellence in motorsport.