News 31 Oct 2013

CDR Yamaha moving to re-sign Mackenzie in outdoor-only deal

CDR Yamaha is in discussions to re-sign Scottish former grand prix winner Billy Mackenzie for the 2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals.

Billy Mackenzie is on the verge of re-signing with CDR Yamaha for 2014. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Billy Mackenzie is on the verge of re-signing with CDR Yamaha for 2014. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

CDR Yamaha is in discussions to re-sign Scottish former grand prix winner Billy Mackenzie for the 2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals.

Mackenzie was last weekend confirmed to be contesting the New Zealand championship for Josh Coppins’ Altherm JCR Yamaha outfit, now on the verge of securing a contract with Craig Dack to complete next season in Australia.

The deal would mirror Mackenzie’s 2013 schedule, where he raced to third in both series aboard the YZ450F.

“We haven’t formally completed the arrangement with Billy yet, but we more than likely will head down that track again in a motocross-only deal,” Dack told MotoOnline.com.au. “We’re still in discussions, nothing is set in concrete, but it’s something we’d like to do.”

Mackenzie has spent minimal time aboard his YZ450F since the end of the MX Nationals in September at Coolum, yesterday returning to the YZ450F in initial preparations for 2014.

“That’s part of our intentions for the motocross-only rider,” Dack explained. “They take some time off after the nationals, prepare for New Zealand and then that will have them ready to go for when our series starts next season.”

Who will be alongside Mackenzie for 2014 remains uncertain, with multiple riders linked to the seat currently occupied by Lawson Bopping including former CDR Yamaha four-time MX Nationals champion, Jay Marmont, who defected to Monster Energy Kawasaki in 2012.

With both current supercross riders Bopping and Kade Mosig injured, CDR Yamaha is yet to firm up a line-up that will see the team contest the final Australian Supercross Championship round at Toowoomba on 16 November.

Despite recent speculation, Dack stated Mackenzie won’t be campaigning the Queensland-based final round.

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