Mackenzie secures first British win in MX1

British MX1 rider Billy Mackenzie secured his first win in the series last weekend in Japan.

Mackenzie ran away with the first race ahead of David Philippaerts and Josh Coppins and the 23-year-old was celebrating his victory even more after becoming the first Brit to win in MX1.

Mackenzie built up a 21-second gap by the end of the race on his KX450-FSR.

He looke dset to repeat his race one victory in the second race until he crashed out late on, hurting his foot. He re-mounted to claim second ahead of Yamaha’s Josh Coppins.

Coppins continued his 100 per cent podium record by claiming third overall at a cloudy and windy Sugo circuit for the Japanese round of the FIM MX1 Motocross World Championship.

The Yamaha works YZ450F-FM rider rode to a brace of third positions on the technically difficult circuit, which was not helped by the rain on Friday afternoon at the circuit situated near to Sendai.

Coppins’ fellow title contender, Kevin Strijbos, had a dreadful day, which meant the New Zealander was able to extend his championship lead to 63 points.