Features 17 Jun 2011

Catching Up: Billy Mackenzie

MXlarge speaks to Monster Kawasaki's Billy Mackenzie about his upcoming GP return and life in Australia.

Scotsman Billy Mackenzie has been a welcome addition to the Australian motocross and supercross circuit since last season, recently revealing he’s going home to compete in the British Grand Prix this August.

Mackenzie is going back to Europe to race the GP and also a round of the Maxxis British Motocross Championship, the events coming directly following to MX Nationals’ conclusion.

Our good friends over at MXlarge caught up with BillyMac recently to get his take on things both in Australia and back home.

Scottish star Billy Mackenzie will be returning home in August to contest a round of World Motocross. Image: Alex Gobert.

Scottish star Billy Mackenzie will be returning home in August to contest a round of World Motocross. Image: Alex Gobert.

So Steve tells me you will race the British GP and I also heard you will do a British Championship race? What are the total plans, any more races? How long will you be coming for?

Only those two races scheduled in for the moment, Matterley GP and Duns British Championship. I have been sent an email from the ACU about being shortlisted for the nations, so there’s that possibility if I show some form at home.

I want to come home for as long as possible, been over here a while now and need to catch up with friends and family while I’m back. So will probably stay until after the nations then I need to head back for Super X.

Can you describe your season until now?

Started off great, been feeling awesome on the bike but I think I got a bit ahead of myself at the start and ended up injuring myself. I was training and riding really hard coming into the season and I kind of just blew up too soon.

I was hungry to win the races and let my competitive side get the better of me. I crashed at round two while in the lead and fractured a couple ribs and my shoulder blade. I struggled for two rounds but came back at the fourth and rode really well to take the overall.

Since then I have had a more relaxed attitude to the races and things have been coming my way. I was 45 points off the lead after round three and I am only nine points behind now with four rounds left.

I’m just enjoying my riding and letting the race come to me rather than chasing it ruthlessly.

How has Josh Coppins been doing? Has it surprised you that he hasn’t been more on the pace?

Josh rode great at round two and three. Josh is on the pace, he is on a good bike and a good team and from talking with him for the first time he seems like he is really enjoying racing and has a high opinion of the pace of the Aussie championships.

I asked how he thought we would fare back home now he is riding the Yamaha and he suggested around sixth to eigth in the WC. So for Josh to say that should give you some indication of the pace over here. Josh is never one to bend the truth.

What is the story with Aussie, you want to continue racing over there?

I have a really good thing going on over here with Monster Kawasaki, I love the team, lifestyle and really enjoy Supercross, so unless something happens while I’m home then I’m pretty sure I’ll be staying here.

If I can get a good result at the GP and show people I’m capable of still running near the front then I’d like to look at options to returning to the GP’s and giving it my best shot.

Mackenzie finished second in the MX Nationals last year, but in 2011 he wants that number one plate. Image: Alex Gobert.

Mackenzie finished second in the MX Nationals last year, but in 2011 he wants that number one plate. Image: Alex Gobert.

What about your lifestyle over there. Has it still been a lot of fun?

Yeah, it’s fun but can also be a bit boring. The weather is a big help with riding, but there are a lot of time between races and most of the friends I have made are from motocross naturally.

But with Australia being such a big place it is difficult to catch up with everyone unless you’re racing!

Obviously you have a lot of fans in England. What will it mean for you to be coming back and racing in front of the British public?

Well that’s one of the reasons I’m coming to race the British GP. I have a lot of good memories from British GPs, and I just enjoy the atmosphere, it’s fun and crazy and that’s what I enjoy! The British fans are awesome.

Do you have any idea what type of results you can expect?

Well from speaking to Josh and knowing how I ride during the week, I’d really like to run around the 6th place mark. But I will be happy with 2 top 10’s seeing as I haven’t raced the GP’s for a couple years now.

It’s hard to just jump in to these races but I’m going to try my best. Hopefully the British fans will help me along! I have been doing my training in preparation for the GP and I’m feeling good on the bike.

I’m just going to come and enjoy racing rather than putting pressure on myself to get the results I want.

Have you been watching the GPs and if so what is your impression of the MX1 and MX2 classes?

Not really, I watch the highlights but that’s about it. Both classes look pretty competitive, MX1 more so, so I have my work cut out for me!

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