TOPRAK RAZGATLIOLU SAYS HE TRIED HIS FIRST WHEELIE AT EIGHT
19 Aug·
Pramac Yamaha rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu has been looking back on his early years on two wheels, answering questions about the first moments that shaped his riding style—especially the tricks that would later become part of his public image.
In a recent interview, Razgatlioglu was asked how old he was when he tried his first stoppie. He said he believes he was “eight years old,” adding that he was riding “with a Yamaha PW50.” The PW50, a 50cc motocross-style bike made for children, is the kind of machine many young riders use to take their first steps in motorcycling.
Razgatlioglu also reflected on when and where he raced for the first time. He pointed to Izmir in Turkey, saying his first race came when he was “eleven years old,” and that it was on a “600-ccm” motorcycle.
When the conversation turned to his first “save” (his ability to catch a slide and keep the bike under control), Razgatlioglu said he had “many of them,” but admitted he can’t remember the first one. He suggested it might have been in Turkey on a supermoto bike, noting that the earliest instance is simply not something he can recall.
The interview also touched on his nickname. Known for his entertaining personality and popularity with fans, Razgatlioglu said his first nickname was “El Turco,” explaining that it’s “like now” as well.
While the focus of the piece was on childhood memories, it also offered a snapshot of his current MotoGP situation. Razgatlioglu has continued to deal with the transition from Superbike racing to MotoGP, and the article noted that the Yamaha M1 remains the weakest machine in the starting grid. Despite that, he has still managed to score points at recent rounds, including two championship points from Silverstone, where he finished 20th and 14th in the races.
Between Grand Prix weekends, Razgatlioglu has been using the time to train, including strength work in the gym. The report mentioned that he posted clips from his training sessions and that Moto2 rider Deniz Öncü was among those involved.
Overall, Razgatlioglu’s answers traced a clear line from early childhood riding—starting with a PW50 at around eight years old—to the instincts that later defined his reputation for saving moments on the edge, even if he can’t pinpoint the exact first time it happened.