In motor sports activities, the place youth usually takes the wheel, 49-year-old automobile fanatic Murat Kamil Altun, affectionately often called “Kertenkele” or “Lizard,” has defied the chances.
What started as a pastime at 44 has remodeled into an expert profession, catapulting him to a podium of accomplishments inside simply three years.
During this comparatively quick span, Altun has clinched the highest spot within the worldwide Transanatolia race for 2 consecutive years, along with securing the general championship title within the Türkiye Baja Cup for 2 years operating.
His newest triumph got here on the 2023 Türkiye Baja Championship’s second leg, the “Baja Resital,” held in Bursa.
Altun dominated the Class 2 car class and emerged victorious within the general standings, proudly brandishing a pair of trophies.
Altun’s affinity for off-road racing dates again to his childhood, and when he determined to enter the aggressive world of racing at 44, he knew it was a late begin.
Nevertheless, his disciplined strategy and unwavering willpower have propelled him previous the hurdles.
Competing in Baja tournaments, described as rally-style off-road races encompassing varied terrain and off-road levels, Altun races alongside specifically designed race vehicles for 4×4 and 6×6 off-road competitions.
Nicknamed “Kertenkele,” he has actively contributed to developing his race automobile and continues refining his expertise by competing in difficult pure environments.
What initially started as a pastime in 2018 transitioned into professionalism in 2020, a transition marked by steady victories.
Altun began his journey in off-road racing with an beginner strategy, however his ardour rapidly propelled him towards the skilled area, notably within the Baja self-discipline.
Sharing his journey, Altun famous, “I constructed a vehicle under my ‘Kertenkele’ moniker, which is also my nickname. In 2020, I participated in my first Transanatolia race, where we overcame our initial novice challenges. Unfortunately, Baja races weren’t held in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, in 2021 and 2022, we secured the overall championship title in the Baja discipline.”
Looking forward, Altun goals to clinch the coveted “Türkiye Champion” title after the Bursa championship. He added, “We aspire to take first place in this championship. As you know, Transanatolia is an international event, and we achieved first place there for two years. We’re grateful for our efforts and determination. I love the Baja discipline, it’s my favorite among all motor sports. This sport is somewhat costly and requires support from the public and sponsors. I firmly believe that this sport will continue to grow. The participation this year has been impressive, and we anticipate further growth. Success in this sport primarily hinges on discipline. I don’t claim to be faster than many others, but I value this endeavor. I respect it, love my car, and invest time in maintenance before and after every race. I don’t devote time to anything else.”
Altun additionally expressed his fondness for the Bursa levels, stating, “We had a challenging three days here, and the rain posed significant challenges. Fortunately, we secured first place both in the automobile class and overall. We aim to win first place in the remaining legs of the season. Anyone can participate in this sport, you just need a suitable racing vehicle. These vehicles are specially customized, and after that, you can obtain a license from the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) to compete. Not everyone may initially reach the podium, except for us, of course, we are an exception. Our new colleagues who are just starting initially complete races, then gradually win first places in their class, and finally step onto the podium. Off-road conditions demand a different skill set; being a fast driver on asphalt doesn’t necessarily translate here. Weather, road conditions and natural factors vary greatly, making it challenging to adapt mentally.”
Tuvana Sayar, Altun’s co-pilot, emphasised that security stays their prime precedence: “We’re engaged in a dangerous sport, but we undergo safety checks. These vehicles are customized according to our safety needs. Aside from navigation, we handle all road safety-related warnings.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
