During the first round of the championship, on 22nd February in Australia, Sofuoglu rode to sixth place despite having to run off track, making a stirring comeback and setting the fastest lap of the race on the way.
Despite his vast experience and three previous WSS titles, Sofuoglu will be like most of his peers on Friday 20th March, as he takes his very first steps onto the modern 4.554km circuit in what are expected to be hot and humid weather conditions. Sofuoglu recently became a new father and is keen to have a strong raceday in Thailand before heading back home to see mother and baby again soon after the race weekend has been completed.
Sofuoglu’s partner in the Puccetti Racing garage, Marco Faccani (San Carlo Puccetti Racing Kawasaki) enjoyed his first WSS outing in Australia and is keen to get back on track in his rookie full season in the class. The 2014 Superstock 600 European Champion has only competed in four WSS races, and is keen to improve on his 12th place finish in round one.
American PJ Jacobsen and French rider Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Intermoto Ponyexpress) make up a strong pairing for the Czech-based team in 2015, but each suffered some misfortune in Australia and will be heading to the race in Buriram to get back to their best on the Ninja ZX-6R.
Kenan Sofuoglu: “Chang will be a new track for all the riders except maybe the ones from Thailand. When I looked at a video from a previous event it looks like there are some long straights and sharp corners at the circuit. Until we go on the track it is difficult to speak about it but I know it will not be easy because the temperature and the humidity will be high, so the conditions will be difficult. I have prepared myself really hard for that and in that area I think I will be very strong. The package we have with Puccetti racing is very, very good and it should be even better than in Phillip Island as we have some improvements to bring to Thailand. In one way it will be difficult for me to go to Thailand for a week because I just became a father for the first time a few days ago. So I have to leave the baby and go away for a week but I think it is a good motivation for me to race well and come back home soon. My motivation is going to be strong on the weekend.”