Imagine a MotoGP race where the riders aren’t on sleek, high-speed bikes but instead are tearing up the track in a Tuk-Tuk—yes, you read that right! But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: Toprak Razgatlioglu, the reigning WorldSBK champion, just clinched his first MotoGP 'win'—on three wheels! This wasn’t your typical race; it was a wild, wheelie-filled spectacle that left fans roaring with excitement. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just about winning; it was about pushing the limits of what a Tuk-Tuk could do on a professional racing circuit.
On Sunday morning at the season-opening Thai Grand Prix, Razgatlioglu and his teammate Jack Miller stole the show in an 11-team Tuk-Tuk ‘challenge.’ Held after the morning warm-up, the event featured a one-lap race around the Buriram circuit, complete with a mid-race driver and passenger swap. The starting grid was determined by the MotoGP team qualifying order, placing Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin on pole position. But it was Razgatlioglu, a MotoGP rookie, and Miller, a four-time premier-class winner, who truly captivated the crowd.
From the warm-up lap, the duo began pulling off daring wheelies, igniting cheers from the grandstands. And here’s the controversial part: despite organizers asking them to tone it down, the showboating continued—and escalated. At one point, they even got their Tuk-Tuk onto two wheels in the corners, sealing their victory in unforgettable style. When asked about his first ‘win,’ Razgatlioglu beamed, ‘I’m very happy! Jack is also crazy, so we really enjoyed it!’ He added, ‘Before the start, we talked about doing a wheelie. Finally, we did. That’s incredible! We tried everything—even two wheels in the corner. I think everyone watching enjoyed it as much as we did.’
Miller echoed the sentiment, saying, ‘The Tuk-Tuk did what it needed to do. I had a fantastic teammate in Toprak—we got the win and looked good doing so!’ When pit lane reporter Jack Appleyard mentioned that Pramac team director Gino Borsoi looked worried, Miller laughed, ‘It all ended well. We know what we’re doing, just about! A few damaged Tuk-Tuks, but it’s all good!’
But here’s where it gets controversial: while the Tuk-Tuk race was all fun and games, the weekend wasn’t without its drama. During Saturday’s Sprint, Miller finished as the top Yamaha rider in 15th place, while Razgatlioglu crashed and rejoined to finish 20th in his first MotoGP race. And just like in the Sprint, Sunday’s Tuk-Tuk challenge saw penalty drama after an overtake at the final corner. Aprilia’s Martin and Bezzecchi cut across the grass to pass Ducati Lenovo’s Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, resulting in a one-place drop penalty—this time in Marquez’s favor.
The Tech3 KTM duo of Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales secured second place, followed by LCR Honda’s Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira. Yet, the real takeaway was the sheer joy and unpredictability of the event. Razgatlioglu summed it up perfectly: ‘I hope for [a MotoGP win] with a bike in the future!’
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is this kind of lighthearted, boundary-pushing event what MotoGP needs more of, or does it distract from the serious racing? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
