Kawasaki’s Kenan SofuogluAs Kenan Sofuoglu chases his fourth World Supersport title, the Pucetti Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R pilot is on a role. The Turkish rider opened the season with a not-so-good sixth at Australia’s Phillip Island, and followed that up with second in Thailand. He then found his 2013 Supersport rhythm, and was victorious at Aragon, Assen, Imola and now Donington Park in the UK.Sofuoglu, who earned the Imola win days after he son suffered a devastating illness, now has 31 race victories to his career, and a 45-point lead over second-placed Jules Cluzel (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) after six of 13 rounds.
At Donington, Cluzel finished second – 0.891 of a second back, and British wildcard rider Kyle Ryde of Britain (Pacedayz European TrackDays Yamaha YZF-R6) taking third.“From the first day at Donington we were very strong and yesterday in the race simulation it looked like we had a good advantage. Today I was a little scared of the weather because it was quite cold. I had to be very careful on the entry of the left corners because it was not only a race to think about today, I am also riding for the championship, Sofuoglu says.MV Agusta’s Jules Cluzel“It was very important for me to stay on the bike. When I took the lead I looked behind and saw Cluzel. I tried to keep the distance to him, to be more relaxed. He had good pace but I think I had more if I needed it. I did not want to take any risks. I want to say a big thank you to Kawasaki and Puccetti Racing because this weekend we were very strong and we led almost all the sessions. You cannot ask any more than winning the races.”The sole American in 2015 World Supersport PJ Jacobsen (Kawasaki Intermoto Ponyexpres) had his podium push effected by the British wildcard riders, and he finished fifth, just behind MV Agusta Reparto Corse’s Lorenzo Zanetti. He is now third in the championship, 51 points behind Sofuoglu but only six from Cluzel.Rounding out the top 10 were the GPR Profile Racing Triumph 675R duo of L. Stapleford and S. Hornsey, CIA Landlords Insurance Honda’s G. Rea, Kallion Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 pilot N. Tuuli and Core Motorsport Tahiland Honda’s A. Reid.Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Intermoto Ponyexpres) was on course for a good points scoring finish but had to retire, with his teammate Aiden Wagner crashing out near the end.2015 Donington Park World Supersport Photo Gallery:
This week we ride two genre-departing motorcycles from the established American manufacturers. Jess McKinley gives us his thoughts on the all new Harley-Davidson Pan America Special, and Ron Lieback gives his on Indian’s latest version of the FTR 1200 S.
