BSS: Mackenzie wins epic opening Supersport scrap

Tarran Mackenzie carried the number one plate in style as he opened up his title defence in the Dickies British Supersport Championship with victory at Donington Park this weekend.

However, the McAMS Yamaha rider had a tough fight on his hands in a five-way, race long battle for the lead with the two Gearlink Kawasakis of Andrew Irwin and Ben Currie, Alastair Seeley on the Quattro Plant Spirit Moto2 machine and Appleyard Macadam’s Keith Farmer.

Biding his time, Mackenzie let the dogfight ensue up front before launching his attack towards the end of the race. Seeley put up a strong fight on the Spirit machine, but Mackenzie was able to eek a 0.9 second gap in the final lap to take the first win of the year following the cancellation of Saturday’s sprint race.

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“I forgot what a supersport race is like!” he said. “The last few rounds last year I raced around on my own really so it was a good way to start the season by getting a win. I had to start from ninth so I knew it would be tough coming through and I got to about third or fourth and just sat there for a bit. I couldn’t get past Andrew or Ben as they were so strong on the brakes.

“I had some moments everywhere so I thought sit behind them for one or two laps and then on the last three laps try and get by them. On the second to last lap I got into the lead and got my head down and put the perfect lap together. I am happy to get my first win for Yamaha and my first with the team so hopefully we can continue.”  

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