MX DIARY: Billy Mac is back
By Sean Lawless on 9th Sep 15
After five-and-a-half years racing in Australia, two-time British MX1 champion Billy MacKenzie returned to Maxxis action at Preston Docks on a 450cc DRT Kawasaki provided by his former team boss Steve Dixon.
The 31-year-old Scot was straight back into the thick of things in the opening moto and went down hard along with Elliott Banks-Browne in the second corner. Another crash in the closing stages dropped him to 18th but he then ran 10-9 to end the day 11th overall. Not bad for a man who hasn't raced for almost 12 months.
"It's really nice to be back in the paddock and it's good to see all the old faces,” he said between races. "I wanted to come back and see everyone and it seems like everyone else is quite happy about it too. Racing wise it's tough and I definitely need some fitness but I just had a bit of bad luck in the first moto.”
A snapped subframe and damaged exhaust meant Billy was forced to race his spare bike for the rest of the day which makes his results all the more remarkable.
"I had to go out on my practice bike because we didn't have any spares because it's a '16 bike so I'm a little bit disappointed. Steve had done a great job to get it up and running – I tested it yesterday and had a really good day, got my suspension done and made some steps.
"The competition's quite tough but overall I'm just enjoying riding the bike and getting some motos in. I know it's good for my fitness and I know I've got to do it. Since I've committed to the last two rounds I need to finish the day off.”
