Turkish automobile racing pioneer who won numerous national and international championships, earning him the nickname "Flying Turk."
Salih Yolu, a Turkish racing driver born on 22 August 1985 in Istanbul, is best known for his impressive victories in sportscar racing, including the 2020 LMGTE Am class win at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours. With a career spanning over a decade, Yolu has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of motorsport.
Yolu's racing career began in 2015, when he joined Optimum Motorsport in the British GT Championship. Despite facing setbacks, including two driving standards-related disqualifications, the Turkish driver showed promise, winning the Dubai 24 Hour race in his maiden season.
In 2016, Yolu made a crucial move to TF Sport, which would become his long-term team. Partnering with Euan Hankey, he competed in the GT3 Le Mans Cup, finishing second in the drivers' standings with two victories. The duo also drove in International GT Open, securing two wins and sixth place overall.
The 2017 season marked a significant turning point in Yolu's career. He moved into the LMGTE class of the European Le Mans Series, partnering with Hankey and Aston Martin factory driver Nicki Thiim. The trio fought for the title throughout the year, winning the season opener at Silverstone and taking podiums in five races.
During the same year, Yolu also competed in the ProAm class of the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup. Driving in the final three races, he helped teammates Jonathan Adam and Ahmad Al Harthy secure two podium finishes, including second in class at the 24 Hours of Spa, which earned them the ProAm title.
In 2018, Yolu switched to the FIA World Endurance Championship for its Super Season, partnering Charlie Eastwood on a full-time basis. Despite a late retirement at Le Mans, he finished seventh in class.
However, Yolu's biggest breakthrough came in 2020, when he secured the LMGTE Am class victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours, one of the most coveted titles in motorsport.
In 2022, Yolu won the European Le Mans Series championship in the LMP2 category, followed by the Asian Le Mans Series championship in 2023. These victories solidified his position as a top-tier racing driver in the sportscar racing arena.
Salih Yolu's impressive career has paved the way for future generations of Turkish racing drivers. His victories have inspired a new wave of enthusiasts in the region, cementing his status as a pioneer in the world of motorsport.
With a career marked by perseverance, skill, and determination, Salih Yolu continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of sportscar racing, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
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