Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Billy Mackenzie has returned to racing with a satisfying finish at round eight of the Monster Energy MX Nationals, taking eighth place at Appin on Sunday.

Mackenzie was forced to take a seat on the sidelines after suffereing a wrist injury during round two of the series at Coonabarabran.

The British import’s solid return will provide a base to work from in the remaining two rounds, after an extended hiatus from the MX1 action.

“I’m not happy with my results. I’m satisfied.. We got the bike working a lot better,” said Mackenzie. “I just wish we had more time to test in more hard pack conditions.

“By the final race we found a set-up that worked. It was nice to show that I’ve still got the speed. It’s good to be back racing. It’s good to cut some laps.”

Mackenzie says his hand is no longer a hinderance to his performace and looks forward to progressing throughout the remaining two rounds.

“My hand’s getting stronger and it’s not a problem anymore,” he added. “I’m looking forward to the next one so we can progress again.”

Remaining optimistic heading into the final events of the outdoor season, Mackenzie will line up next at Moree’s round nine on 19 August.