Mackenzie gets green light for Knockhill BSB return

Tarran Mackenzie will make his Bennetts British Superbike championship comeback this weekend at Knockhill after sitting out the Brands Hatch races following a heavy off in qualifying at the Kent circuit.

The McAMS Yamaha rider has slipped to fourth place in the BSB standings after missing the two races at Brands Hatch having suffered concussion in a qualifying crash.

With Mackenzie set to be decleared fit to race, he is eager to kick-start his BSB title push having been an early championship front-runner before being forced to skip the Brands Hatch races.

“The crash at Brands Hatch was annoying really. We hadn’t put a foot wrong all weekend and I just caught the bump and down I went,” Mackenzie said. “I approached the corner maybe a little differently and braked a bit earlier so maybe I had more lean angle, but that was it, down I went.

“I have taken it easy since the crash and I have been able to do a bit of light training but nothing high intensity so we can be ready for this weekend. I think what is even more annoying is missing out on points after having the best start to a season that I have had in several years.”

Heading to his home round at Knockhill, Mackenzie is hopeful his strong track record at the Scottish circuit from his junior career can provide a good platform to target the podium and wins this weekend.

“We had a brief test at Knockhill recently which was good until it rained, but that was good for me as I did struggle a bit there last time and at the test I matched the times I did last year fairly quickly so that was positive,” he said.

“I am looking forward to the weekend as Knockhill is one of those circuits where I have some really good memories; my first ever race was there, my first podium in Motostar was there, my first win in Superstock 600 and in Supersport so definitely some good highlights. Hopefully I can add something else to the list this weekend.”