Wednesday, January 04 2012

Taylor Mackenzie will make his debut in the forthcoming 2012 British Supersport Championship as the 18-year-old Scottish rider progresses from the British 125GP class, joining Jack Kennedy in the Northern Ireland-based Mar-Train Racing team.
 
Taylor is the son of former Grand Prix rider and three-time British Superbike champion Niall Mackenzie, and both father and son are delighted to have secured the Mar-Train ride on Yamaha machinery, which Niall campaigned for a large portion of his career. Niall will work alongside his son in the Mar-Train squad next season as his main advisor. Taylor joins his younger brother Tarran in the British Championship paddock, who recently confirmed that he will line up in the British 125GP Championship with Redline KTM.

Taylor Mackenzie said: "I'm really excited to be riding in British Supersport this season with Mar-Train. I had a tough season in Grand Prix last year, so it's nice to have the deal completed and be able to concentrate on my training programme. I was at my limit on the 'one-two-five' last year size-wise: I was squashed onto it! At times I'd sore knees and was trying to stay as skinny as possible all year, but having ridden an R6 in Spain before the New Year it was so nice and comfortable to ride. The BSB calendar now has so many good tracks to race at and I've ridden at Assen this last three years, so that will obviously help. Having Jack in the team next year will be great, as I'll have someone to learn from. I just need to concentrate on getting stronger now to ride the 600. I can't wait."
 
Niall Mackenzie added: "We looked at what was possible and the plan was to stay in Grand Prix for one more season, but a number of things happened and we realised he'd have to move onto a 600 at some time. I'd spoken to a number of people that I know, but Tim's team were recommended to me by a good friend in the business. Taylor was also keen on the idea and after that it all just unfolded. Taylor had five days in Spain at the end of last year and had time on an R6 road bike. He loved it and having grown a bit towards the end of last season, he was happy that he fitted onto it after being cramped on the 125. So just before the New Year we shook hands on the deal with Tim. I must admit I'm happy that Taylor's on a Yamaha - it will suit the way he rides. There's a bit of family history there obviously and I've a good relationship with Yamaha worldwide, so hopefully that will be good for us and the team."
 
Team Principal Tim Martin concluded: "We are really pleased to welcome both Taylor and Niall to the Mar-Train team. We are well aware Taylor has limited experience on four-stroke machinery to date, so it will be a learning year for him, although I do believe Jack Kennedy is the perfect team-mate for him. Add to that the experience his father Niall has in racing and that can only be good for everyone involved at Mar-Train Racing. There will certainly be no pressure on Taylor for results, but take nothing away from him, he has a wealth of experience in British Championship for a young man and I'm sure he'll make steady progress throughout the season on the R6."

Photo: moto-racer.com