MxLarge Story
Billy Mackenzie interview - Moving Forward in OZ
Interview Tuesday 29th June 2010 By Geoff Meyer
Former Grand Prix winner and British Motocross Champion Billy Mackenzie is working hard in Australia and trying to win himself an Aussie Championship. The layed back Brit scribbled down some answers to our questions and here they are.
MXlarge: So what have you been up to in the last month. Haven't heard much from you?
Mackenzie: Just training hard and riding more, just getting back on track after breaking my wrist really. Doing some testing and improving the bike set up. I've raced raymond terrace and manjimup in West Australia.
MXlarge: Brad Anderson came out to Aussie and did really well. How did you find him being there. Are you mates, did it disappoint you that he won and you didn't?
Mackenzie: Yeah Brad and I are friends and we had a good time while he was here. It did disappoint me that he beat me as I really wanted to beat him, just to show people back home that I ain't lost any speed. He came over and rode really awesome and I had an off weekend, I struggled all day with set up and just wasn't on his pace that weekend, which was a bit frustrating as that's all people will remember. It gave me a goal to aim for the next weekend at Manjimup in West Australia though, and I managed to win most of the races, although I again finished behind Brad over all after having a bad first moto, but felt comfortable and happy with my pace again. So it was good for me having Brad come over, and I was confident again in my speed when he left.
MXlarge: Dean Ferris was here last week for the German GP and went 22-14. Do you have an opinion on him as a rider. Did he do what you expected and are there any Aussies racing in Australia that could cut it on the World scene?
Mackenzie: After chatting with dean at the weekend, it sounds like he could have done a lot better if he had been on a bike he was comfortable with. I rate dean as a rider, he is hard working and young and has the determination to go far. The result he got I think is respectable for his first GP and for his situation. It was interesting to see his results, because obviously I estimate or judge what result I could have got from watching him, I still think I could run near the front based on the speed I have against dean here in oz, and there are defo a few guys here who could have respectful results in the gps.
MXlarge: For the MXoN there is talk of Anstie, Searle and Simpson being picked. Would you care if you missed out this year, or is it still really important for you?
Mackenzie: It is still important for me to race the nations, and obviously I will race if I am picked. I have been trying to get back to the uk to do a race, just to show people that Australia has been the best move for me, but I just haven't had the oppertunity to do so, and I don't feel I can justify the cost and effort to come over myself just to show people Im still on my game. The best I can do is just keep improving and try win the Australian Championship. Unless they wanna get me a flight to come do a gp or a British championship!
MXLarge: Any plans on racing some GP's or AMA races this year?
Mackenzie: Maybe an AMA race, still working on it though.
MXlarge: Did you watch the USGP and if you did what was your opinion?
Mackenzie: I didn't watch it, only saw the results. Heard the track and stuff was awesome though.
MXlarge: What are the things you are looking forward to as the season hits the half way mark?
Mackenzie: Clawing back those points I lost at Canberra when I broke my wrist, that's my motivation. Also riding my bike during the week and enjoying it every day!
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