TOSFED (Turkish Automobile Sports Federation)

Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) is the official body recognized by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Youth and Sports – General Directorate of Sports Services (SHGM) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), responsible for governing automobile sports in Türkiye. The federation is tasked with organizing, developing and representing automobile sports in Türkiye in accordance with the regulations of the FIA and the International Karting Federation (CIK-FIA).

History

Automobile sports in Türkiye began to be organized regularly in the late 1960s, and the first European Championship rally was held in 1972. Following these developments, TOSFED was established in 1991 under the General Directorate of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Türkiye Prime Ministry and became the official governing body for the sport. With the foundation of the federation, the Sports Committee within the Turkish Automobile and Touring Club (TTOK) was dissolved, and all responsibilities and authorities related to automobile sports were transferred to TOSFED.

In 1993, with the addition of motorcycle disciplines, the federation’s name was changed to Turkish Automobile and Motorsports Federation (TOMSFED). However, following the establishment of the Turkish Motorcycle Federation in 2003, motorcycle disciplines were separated, and the federation resumed its activities under the original name TOSFED.

Presidents of the federation have included Oyman Atabay (1991–1997), Mümtaz Tahincioğlu (1997–2012), Demir Berberoğlu (2012–2013), Metin Çeker (2013–2015), and Serkan Yazıcı (2015–2019). Following the Extraordinary General Assembly held in 2019, Eren Üçlertoprağı was elected president and continues to serve in this role.

Structure and Responsibilities

TOSFED publishes the Rules Book each season, which defines the institutional framework for automobile sports in Türkiye. This book is prepared by the Sports Committee and enters into force after approval by the Board of Directors. The federation organizes competitions in eight national disciplines — rally, circuit, off-road, karting, hill climb, rallycross, drift and classic cars — as well as various regional disciplines including auto drag, baja, off-road challenge, extreme, autokros and slalom.

As of the 2024 season, 59 organizing clubs operating in 29 provinces, over 2,000 licensed athletes and approximately 3,000 active officials are affiliated with the federation.

International Events

The federation holds the authority to organize major international events under the FIA umbrella in Türkiye. To date, events held in Türkiye include the Formula 1 World Championship – Turkish Grand Prix, the World Rally Championship – Rally Türkiye, the World Touring Car Championship, the World Rallycross Championship, the European Rally Championship, the European Truck Racing Championship, the German Touring Car Championship, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, World Series by Renault, Rallye de l’Orient, the South East Europe Karting Championship and the European Rally Cup.

Social Responsibility Initiatives

TOSFED implements social responsibility projects aimed at raising awareness among children, youth, women and people with disabilities. Through the Velinin Karnesi project, traffic education is provided to primary school students. The Women’s Commission works to increase the number of female competitors, while the Disabilities Commission supports the participation of people with disabilities in sports. Additionally, the TOSFED Is Looking for a Star project, supported by Fiat Türkiye, nurtures young athletes, and the Mobility Education Simulator project delivers traffic education to elementary school students.

Sponsorships

The federation’s supporters include Sportoto, Maxima, Avis, Petlas, Motul, Red Bull, Fiat, Borusan Otomotiv Premium, Remed Assistance, Zorlu Enerji, Salodos, Otokar, Power App, Faselis, Modyo TV, Fora Mobil Takip Sistemleri, Apex Racing and Auto Club.