Scotsman Billy Mackenzie has told MotoOnline.com.au that he will ease into this year’s Monster Energy Super X series, hoping to gradually progress as Monster Energy Kawasaki’s lone Pro Open rider aboard the 2012 model KX450F.

The 27-year-old former motocross GP regular shocked the industry with a debut podium last year in the Sydney round of Super X, backing that result up with another at Brisbane’s finale despite missing the opening rounds through injury.

“The way that I approached supercross last year really paid off for me,” Mackenzie explained to MotoOnline. “I’m not going to get ahead of myself, or pretend that I’m a supercross rider.

“I just have to keep it low key and do the best that I can. I want to enjoy it and learn, hopefully get the best result I can.”

Mackenzie will debut Kawasaki’s heavily-revised 2012 model KX450F tomorrow night at Melbourne Knights Stadium, and he’s stoked with the new bike in its initial development stages. He’ll also benefit from added Pro Circuit support in Super X.

“The new bike’s really awesome actually, a massive improvement over our bike from last year,” Mackenzie added. “We’ve got a full Pro Circuit engine now, where last year we only had certain bits and bobs. It’s exciting and the first time I’ve really been taken back by the bike.

“It really impressed me, I thought ‘jesus, this thing’s fast’, you know? I’ve always been comfortable with my bike and have been comfortable, but this new engine is just sharp, so aggressive and really good.

“That’s one thing I’m really looking forward to – just getting a connection with the bike in the races.”

Last season saw Mackenzie’s Monster Energy Kawasaki team win the series with American Josh Hansen.