In typical Mackenzie fashion he takes this challenge with the same determination and spirit as he has taken all his MXoN challenges and he will pulled together for the pride of the Nation.

We sat down with Billy and asked him about his team selection and what he expects from this challenge.

Q: I mean, tell me what the des Nations means to you?

Mackenzie: Well this year will mean much more than previous years, this year I’ve been dealt a lucky hand in being on the team so I want to make sure that this year will be the year I make no mistakes and bring home a result I know I can.

Q: To ride for Great Britain, does that make your heart pump a little faster?

Mackenzie: Of course it does.

Q: I was talking with Steve Dixon this morning and we both agreed that you can lead races, even at this level, the highest level in the sport. Can you give me an idea about that race you lead in 2006, how that felt?

Mackenzie: Yeah Steve knows what I have been doing since coming back, he has been at all the same tracks with his team practicing during the week as I have since I moved back down to Southampton, so Steve has seen my speed and the effort I’ve been putting in recently which not many people have. I have led races this year with no ligament on my thumb, even bringing home results like 6th and 5ths. To do that with the injury I had was pretty good I thought. Leading a race is always the same, the adrenaline bursts through and you put the hammer down and go as hard as you can. Sometimes u pull a lead sometimes u don’t, then it’s down to tactics and stuff.

Q: The track in Italy, have you seen the photos, how do you describe that circuit?

Mackenzie: I have only just checked out the pics online now, but it looks like it could suit me, I love the more jumpy circuits and it looks pretty similar to Donnington. If I can bring my a game then I think I’ll enjoy the track a lot.

Q: Tell me then, after the injuries and the less than impressive season, how important is it to go into this race and impress, how important is it for you?

Mackenzie: For me it is everything, all the work I’ve put in this year, all the injuries I’ve had, the fact no one has been able to see the true reflection of the work I put in over the winter. Nothing would make it more worthwhile than to come out at the nations riding like I was over in California in preseason training. It’s important for me mentally, and also for my own personal goals that I set in the beginning.

Q: What about a goal for this race. Steve even talked about winning it, I guess if you are on form, and Tommy rides to his potential, and Nunny backs up, why not a win, like the surprise of 1994?

Mackenzie: Yeah exactly. Why not win it? Maybe it’s a big goal, but it always is. This race isn’t about going there for a top 5 is it? That’s why I’ve always gave it my all, and I love that part of it. Steve could have picked a steady rider but then where is the excitement or the possibility. Steve wouldn’t have picked me if he didn’t think I was doing what I should, I use the Yamaha practice track every week and I have to get the keys from Steve. So he is one person knows imp out doing the mottos and preparing for this races like I should be.

Q: Can you give me a comment on what this even does for you as a rider, riding for the United Kingdom in front of all those passionate British fans?

Mackenzie: Well without sounding too corny it just lifts you up, gives you a boost of confidence that they are all there to support you, that your good enough to earn the respect of you country and that they are supporting and showing appreciation for what you've worked hard at since you were a young kid. In other words, pride.

Q: Last question, Brad (Anderson) obviously earnt his place on the team, but due to injury is out, do you have an opinion on that, do you have a word for Brad?

Mackenzie: Brads a good friend of mine, and he truly deserved his chance at the nations. His time will come again though, and with the amount of close racing brad and I have done over the years I know he's happy for me to fill his place. So I’ll be doing it for him as well as everyone else.