Maxxis British MX1 Motocross title on Sunday 9 March
| Published: 26th February 2008 12:36 |
DONINGTON PARK ROUND ONE SUNDAY 9 MARCH
Billy Mackenzie expects tough start to title defence
Flying Scot Billy Mackenzie is eager to begin the defence of his Maxxis British MX1 Motocross title on Sunday 9 March with a resounding victory as Donington Park stages the opening action on the spectacular Grand Prix circuit, but the CAS Honda rider is well aware that the opposition he faces is particularly strong.
The series is generally regarded as one of the strongest domestic championships in Europe attracting a big 35 rider starting line up with Brad Anderson riding for the Suzuki Swift team looking particularly strong. Mark Eastwood, riding the Wiseco Piston Honda, is another expected to pose questions of the reigning champion but there could be a real in-family threat to Mackenzie.
"My cousin Brian, riding for Kawasaki will go well and be one of my main rivals," said the champion who raced the specially built course in last year's highly successful Grand Prix. "It's good, I like it, but am hoping for better things on it this time. In the GP I was doing OK and led the first race, but then stalled the bike and next time I took a tumble at the start and had to work my back through the pack."
"It is important to get a strong result in this first round," said the 23 year old from Edinburgh as he prepared for the two races, each decided over 30 minutes and two laps of this demanding, high jumping, undulating and twisting course. "Riding motocross is very demanding physically, and I've been in training since last November ? its reckoned to be one of the most demanding sports in the world, second only to cross country skiing."
In the other feature action of the day, Mackenzie's team-mate Mike Brown begins the defence of his MX2 British title and he faces a tough time at the hands of last year's British Grand Prix winner Tommy Searle aboard the Red Bull KTM. Local riders Luke Burton from Coalville and Birmingham's Ben Field, riding Relentless Suzuki will be keen to make their mark.
Racing is from noon, following morning practice from 09.00. Adult admission is £20, Juniors (aged under 16 years) £5.
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