Champion Offroad Pilots Hit the Gas on the Historic Gallipoli Peninsula

Mert Becce and Mert Tepe, drivers of the team that won the European off-road team championship, treated two Cypriot veterans to an unforgettable day by touring the historic Gallipoli Peninsula in their race cars.

Before the event commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Republic, Becce picked up 73-year-old Necdet Erdinç from his home in Çanakkale and then the two crossed to the European side by ferry.

Becce picked up 70-year-old veteran Abdurrahman Savaş from his home in the Eceabat district and then met with Mert Tepe and his guests.

Erdinç and Savaş co-drive Rally Raid Team Türkiye, which won the European Cross-Country Baja Cup organized by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), co-drive.

Pilots Hit the Gas on the Historic Gallipoli Peninsula
Two athletes, driving their vehicles on a different route than their familiar and familiar racecourses, this time took to the historic Gallipoli Peninsula, the site of the Gallipoli Campaign for veterans.

The Cypriot veterans shared their memories with the athletes during a four-hour tour of the historic site, which features martyrs' cemeteries and monuments. The pilots also provided information about the vehicles they used and the races they participated in.

The athletes, along with the veterans in the co-pilot seats, experienced a unique driving experience. They stopped at the representative martyrs' memorials at the Martyrs' Memorial, prayed, and posed for photos to commemorate the occasion.

"We even received an offer to race together next year."
Gallipoli national athlete Mert Becce told an Anadolu Agency (AA) reporter that they were competing in the European Championship on the centennial of the Republic, and that Baja Troia Turkey 2023, held in Çanakkale last weekend, was the final leg of these races. Becce stated that winning the European championship as a team representing Türkiye in Çanakkale was meaningful. Referring to the tour they took with the veterans, Becce said, "After establishing the necessary connections, we organized this event. It was one of the most special moments of my life. We were truly honored to hear the memories of our veterans and receive their congratulations on the centennial of our Republic, in the presence of our martyrs. Their sincere, warm, and humble demeanor, like their own children, made the day even more special for us."

Pilots Hit the Gas on the Historic Gallipoli Peninsula
Mert Tepe also stated that they felt very good during their tour with the veterans and that Çanakkale is a special place for them.

Tepe, who explained that he learned about places in Çanakkale he hadn't been familiar with from Erdinç throughout the trip, said, "We had the most enjoyable trip with our co-pilot to date. We even received an offer from our veterans to race with us next year."

"Our ancestors came on foot, we came with off-road vehicles."
Gazi Necdet Erdinç thanked the pilots for the event and expressed his joy at reaching the centennial of the Republic.

Erdinç said, "Our ancestors came to these beautiful lands on foot before, now we have arrived with technologically advanced off-road vehicles and pilots. I am delighted by this. It brings us joy to see where the Republic, gifted to us by our Great Ancestor, has brought us. As we explore these places, we feel we are walking in our Ancestor's footsteps."

Abdurrahman Savaş expressed his pride and honor in visiting the lands of our ancestors with off-road pilots.

Pilots Hit the Gas on the Historic Gallipoli Peninsula
Savaş thanked the pilots and said:

"Thank you, they're so glad they came. We were happy to see them visit our ancestors. I congratulate them for representing us well abroad. I wish them success in the future. We were very pleased. This is the first time I've ridden in this vehicle. It felt like another vehicle, but of course, the roads in these vehicles aren't these beautiful roads; they're mountains, hillsides, deserts, forests, streams... Our pilots are very successful, and their vehicles are powerful. It was a wonderful trip."

News: Anadolu News Agency