BSB: Mackenzie consolidates top rookie status

Rookie Tarran Mackenzie continued to shine at Thruxton this weekend despite an engine issue in qualifying making things difficult for the youngster.

Starting dead last in race one, he fought through to a ninth-place finish but a stronger run in the second race saw him finish just behind the podium battle with another strong top five result, further cementing his position as the best-placed rookie in the 2018 season.

“We wanted to carry on the momentum from Brands and despite having to start from the back of the grid I think we achieved that,” Mackenzie said.

“We used the harder rear tyre most of the way through the event which I think helped us concentrate on good set-up. Race two felt like it could have been a podium but I was also right on the limit so I’m happy with fifth. It’s only my seventh Superbike event so it’s been a great learning curve so far.”