Press Statement from Drift NEU Racing Team Director Dr. Enver Haskasap
Following the incident that occurred on March 15, 2026 at the Drift NEU Park track located on the campus of Near East University, Drift NEU Racing Team Director Dr. Enver Haskasap made a clear public statement.
Dr. Haskasap stated that the incident was not only a violation of sporting discipline, but also a serious act of disrespect toward the motorsports culture built with great effort over many years and toward the athletes who came to the country to compete.
This Track Is the Result of Effort and a Sports Culture
Emphasizing that Drift NEU Park is not merely a racing venue, Dr. Haskasap stated that the track represents a significant collective effort. “Drift NEU Park is not just a place where races take place. This track is a sports platform that has grown through the efforts of drivers, mechanics, teams and the staff working behind the organization. On race days, many people work and contribute here. On this track, not only tires spin, but also hard work.”
Bringing International Drivers Requires Great Effort
Dr. Haskasap stated that Drift NEU Park has been working for years to develop motorsports and promote the track through international events, noting that drivers from different countries participate in these competitions. “We have been making serious efforts for a long time to develop motorsports, contribute to sports tourism and promote Drift NEU Park within the international motorsports community. The participation of drivers from different countries on this track is very important for our international visibility in sports. For this reason, the incident that occurred is not only harmful to Drift NEU Park but also damages the image of our country.”
Disrespect Towards Our Guest Drivers Is Unacceptable
Dr. Enver Haskasap reminded that Dutch drivers Rone Zwanenburg and Seger Zwanenburg were invited guests of Drift NEU and stated that they fully stand by the athletes. “Rone and Seger Zwanenburg, who came to our country to compete, are our guests. Disrespect toward our guest drivers can never be accepted. As the Drift NEU Park family, we stand fully behind our drivers. Where there is sport, there must be sportsmanship, respect and discipline.”
Competition Exists, Violence Does Not
At the end of his statement, Dr. Haskasap emphasized that the goal of Drift NEU Park is to reach a stronger position on the international motorsports map and stated that violence has absolutely no place in sport. “We are working to place Drift NEU Park on the world motorsports map. Our goal is to grow sports tourism and organize international competitions. We will not tolerate any behavior that harms this goal. At Drift NEU Park there is competition, there is struggle, but there is absolutely no place for violence.”
The Incident Has Been Referred to the Disciplinary Board
In accordance with the decision taken by the Board of Directors of the Turkish Cypriot Automobile Association (KKTOK) on March 16, 2026, the unfortunate incident that occurred during the drift race has been referred to the Disciplinary Board.
Until the final decision is made by the Disciplinary Board, the license of the involved licensed driver has been temporarily suspended. In the statement made by KKTOK, it was noted that the investigation by the Disciplinary Board officially began on March 17, 2026, and that the incident will be examined thoroughly in all aspects. It was also stated that the decision to be taken as a result of the investigation will be shared with both the relevant parties and the public.
