What Do the Champion Contenders Think? Part 1
We have gathered the views of the competitors who will take part in the Champion of Champions event, to be held at Ülkü Park Circuit on 18-19 March, and we will share them with you in three parts.
Here are the thoughts of the "fastest of the fast" from different disciplines ahead of this important event, organised by TOSFED with the support of Spor Toto, Opel Türkiye and Petlas...
YAĞIZ AVCI - RALLY
It is great to see the Champion of Champions format back in our country after so many years, and it will be a first for me... The entry list is very strong and we will all try to enjoy it. It is sure to be a very enjoyable weekend, and thanks to everyone who has worked on the event...
AYHANCAN GÜVEN - CIRCUIT RACING
First of all, I would like to thank our federation for staging such an event again after so many years and for inviting me. This event will be a good morale boost for all of us ahead of the season. Racing against the most important drivers in Turkey is a great experience for me, and like everyone else, I will come with the aim of winning and do everything I can. We are waiting for everyone in the grandstands, and it will be a very enjoyable weekend in every respect...
ÜMİT ÜLKÜ - HILL CLIMB
I wish the Champion of Champions event could be held every year; today it could perhaps encourage many people, and we could get attractive results in terms of promoting our sport and raising its profile. The fact that it is being held again today, after a 15-year gap, thanks to our federation's initiative, is a very good development in that respect. The fact that it is being held in Izmir is also a separate source of happiness for us. With our whole team and our vehicles, we will do everything we can to make sure this event at our facility goes flawlessly. I think having champions from every branch of the sport together will be very positive for the sport's awareness and for discovering new stars. Our guests who come to watch the event will also have a lovely and very special weekend. I hope it is repeated every year, and I wish all the participants success.
ENGİN KAP - HISTORIC RALLY
TOSFED is preparing a true motorsport festival under the name Champion of Champions. I think the activities being prepared will create an event that is full of fun and high on excitement for both spectators and competitors. We saw the first signs of this new approach at the 2016 Rally Marmaris... It is exciting to be among those taking part in this fine event. Thanks to our federation...
HALİD AVDAGİÇ - RALLYCROSS
With Serkan Yazıcı becoming TOSFED President, a competitor's perspective has come to motorsport, and the most important example of that is the Champion of Champions race to be held this year. With identical cars, it is a platform where Turkey's real talent will emerge. I expect the Champion of Champions to be a race in which young people aged between 18 and 24 come to the fore. I hope our state will give the necessary support for our young and talented drivers to compete in the world championship, and that after this race the way will be opened for young drivers to take part on the world stage. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed in advance.
İLAYDA HANCI - OFF-ROAD
As far as I know, this is the first time this event is being held after a long break, and I am very happy to be part of it. This race, which will be held in a different format for us, will be a great experience. Driving a Volkicar for the first time and racing on an asphalt circuit for the first time will be an additional thrill for me... Many thanks to everyone who has contributed.
BURAK ÇUKUROVA - V1 CHALLENGE
I think the Champion of Champions is a very important step for our country. It will be a great event with good drivers together, fantastic displays, and everyone pushing to gain the upper hand on equal terms. Since the smallest mistake in qualifying or the race will lead to elimination, it is necessary to be both very careful and fast.... It will be a contest in which we will see whether experience, youth, or whoever uses both best will win... As a team we are here with our four drivers, and I hope it will be a weekend that everyone enjoys and that adds value to Turkish motorsport, which is what we gain from it.
İBRAHİM OKYAY - CIRCUIT RACING
I see the fact that the Champion of Champions, which had long been neglected, is being held as an event that brings competitors and motorsport fans together as one of the many successful steps TOSFED has taken in the new era. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed in advance....
TİMUR POMAK - DRIFTING
I am ready to compete to win at the Champion of Champions event, organised by our federation, which brings together the fastest drivers in every branch of Turkish motorsport. With this event we will be starting the 2017 season in a very enjoyable and fast way.
I am waiting for all my supporters at Izmir Ülkü Race Circuit on 18-19 March....
EMİR KALAFATOĞLU - KARTING
Thanks to the Champion of Champions, the whole motorsport community, from 7 to 70, will come together and it will be a warm atmosphere. I think the best aspect of this event is that lovely atmosphere...
Since successful drivers from their own disciplines will be racing, I think the competition will be at the highest level. I am very happy to be taking part in this event and I wish everyone success...
