MxLarge Story
Billy Mackenzie interview - Coming Home
Interview Monday 13th June 2011 By Geoff Meyer
The return of former Grand Prix winner Billy Mackenzie for the British Grand Prix, set for Matterley Basin on August 20 and 21 will be adding a lot of interest to the event. Mackenzie is coming back to race the Grand Prix and also a round of the Maxxis British Motocross Championship.
We caught up with Billy Mac this week and here is what he had to tell us.
MXlarge: So Steve tells me you will race the British GP and I also heard you will do a British Championship race? What are the total plans, any more races? How long will you be coming for?
Mackenzie: Only those 2 races scheduled in for the moment, Matterley GP and Duns British Championship. I have been sent an email from the ACU about being shortlisted for the nations, so there's that possibility if I show some form at home. I want to come home for as long as possible, been over here a while now and need to catch up with friends and family while I’m back. So will probably stay until after the nations then I need to head back for Super X.
MXlarge: Can you describe your season until now?
Mackenzie: Started off great, been feeling awesome on the bike but I think I got a bit ahead of myself at the start and ended up injuring myself. I was training and riding really hard coming into the season and I kind of just blew up too soon. I was hungry to win the races and let my competitive side get the better of me. I crashed at round 2 while in the lead and fractured a couple ribs and my shoulder blade. I struggled for 2 rounds but came back at the 4th and rode really well to take the overall. Since then I have had a more relaxed attitude to the races and things have been coming my way. I was 45 points off the lead after round 3 and I am only 9 points behind now with 4 rounds left. I'm just enjoying my riding and letting the race come to me rather than chasing it ruthlessly.
MXlarge: How has Josh been doing? Has it surprised you that he hasn’t been more on the pace?
Mackenzie: Josh rode great at round 2 and 3. Josh is on the pace, he is on a good bike and a good team and from talking with him for the first time he seems like he is really enjoying racing and has a high opinion of the pace of the Aussie Championships. I asked how he thought we would fare back home now he is riding the Yamaha and he suggested around 6th to 8th in the WC. So for Josh to say that should give you some indication of the pace over here. Josh is never one to bend the truth.
MXlarge: What is the story with Aussie, you want to continue racing over there?
Mackenzie: I have a really good thing going on over here with Monster Kawasaki, I love the team, lifestyle and really enjoy Supercross, so unless something happens while I’m home then I’m pretty sure I’ll be staying here. If I can get a good result at the GP and show people I’m capable of still running near the front then I’d like to look at options to returning to the GP's and giving it my best shot.
MXlarge: What about your lifestyle over there. Has it still been a lot of fun?
Mackenzie: Yeah it fun but can also be a bit boring. The weather is a big help with riding, but there are a lot of time between races and most of the friends I have made are from motocross naturally. But with Australia being such a big place it is difficult to catch up with everyone unless you’re racing!
MXlarge: Obviously you have a lot of fans in England. What will it mean for you to be coming back and racing in front of the British public?
Mackenzie: Well that’s one of the reasons I’m coming to race the British GP. I have a lot of good memories from British GP's, and I just enjoy the atmosphere, it’s fun and crazy and that’s what I enjoy! The British fans are awesome.
MXlarge: Do you have any idea what type of results you can expect?
Mackenzie: Well from speaking to Josh and knowing how I ride during the week, I’d really like to run around the 6th place mark. But I will be happy with 2 top 10's seeing as I haven't raced the GP's for a couple years now. It’s hard to just jump in to these races but I’m going to try my best. Hopefully the British fans will help me along! I have been doing my training in preparation for the GP and I’m feeling good on the bike, so I’m just going to come and enjoy racing rather than putting pressure on myself to get the results I want.
MXlarge: have you been watching the GPs and if so what is your impression of the MX1 and MX2 classes?
Mackenzie: Not really, I watch the highlights but that’s about it. Both classes look pretty competitive, mx1 more so, so I have my work cut out for me!
MXlarge: Your old mate Jason Dougan has been doing well. Are you pretty pumped for him and did you expect him to do as well as he has been doing?
Mackenzie: Yeah I fully expected it from him, I know how hard Jas works and I also know how well Steve Dixon runs his team. I have trained with Jason's dad for a number of years and I know there are no shortcuts in his programme. Jas has everything he needs to do the job properly and I think he is finally showing everyone what he can do now he has a solid programme with a top team.
Stanley Leroux Design
