Kiwi Rider February 2024 Vol.2 | Page 86

ROAD NEWS
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TOPRAK ’ S RED BULL CANYON CLASH

Since the loss of Ken Block , the world has been missing out on a lot of gratuitous online motorsport films with a pure soundtrack of revs and incredible shots of vehicles sliding about in the name of hooliganism . Clearly , Red Bull has been feeling the same way and sent a pair of racers down a dark valley in the Kemaliye district of Turkey ( AKA Türkiye ) with a camera and some sonorous exhausts . Starring in the short and gloriously music-free film is Toprak Razgatlıoğlu , the 2021 FIM World Superbike Champion , alongside Ayhancan Güven , a DTM racing series driver . While both are known for their on-track persona , it quickly becomes pretty clear both are far from unskilled in the dirt with both swapping their circuit machinery for an off-road challenge in Türkiye ’ s Kemaliye district within the enigmatic Dark Canyon . A location renowned as one of the planet ’ s deepest canyons , it is also listed in UNESCO ’ s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2021 . Despite its name , the Dark Canyon stands out as one of the world ’ s most captivating and formidable routes with 38 hand-made tunnels , notorious within the motorsports community for its daunting challenges . The canyon is approximately 25 kilometres long , plunges over a kilometre deep , and has a base that tapers to 10-15 metres , with steep slopes that create a fascinating and challenging landscape . Venturing off the beaten track for the first time , the duo challenged each other to push their limits in an adrenaline-fuelled pursuit . The two track racers ventured out of their comfort zone and tried their hands at off-road racing for the first time ever . Toprak Razgatlıoğlu , the flagbearer who brought the World Superbike Championship glory to Türkiye in 2021 , said , “ Riding a bike in a canyon is very different from riding on the track . My bike was too heavy to pull a stoppie , and it was not an easy terrain to ride ; however , it was an exciting experience for me ,” after navigating his bike through a winding road full of sharp turns . Meanwhile , Ayhancan Güven , who achieved the prestigious Platinum license coveted by top riders worldwide this year , engaged in the showdown with a Skoda Fabia Rally2 car , marking his career debut with this vehicle . “ There were a lot of challenges throughout the canyon , and the tunnels were quite difficult to pass through . It was the first time I drove this car , and the steering set was completely different from the one I normally drive . It was a challenging experience , but I had a lot of fun .”

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