BSB: Taylor Mackenzie returns to Bathams Racing for 2021 Superstock 1000 campaign

Taylor Mackenzie has re-joined Bathams Racing for the 2021 Pirelli National Superstock 1000 season and will line-up alongside Richard Cooper once the 2019 champion returns from injury.

Mackenzie was left without a ride at the end of last season after losing his seat at the SYNETIQ BMW Superbike team. The 28-year-old’s efforts were hampered by on-going complications with his injured leg. Mackenzie broke his leg in two places and tore his MCL ligament before the season had even begun.

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After losing his ride Mackenzie opted to do something a little different in order to raise awareness that he didn’t have a deal in place. Mackenzie created YouRace, a YouTube campaign which would allow viewers to raise money by watching adverts and clicking on affiliate links to Amazon. He also created a Patreon page which allowed fans to subscribe and receive behind the scenes, exclusive content.

His project was worth it as he’ll now re-join the Bathams Racing team which he raced with during his last Superstock 1000 campaign in 2019, when he finished runner-up to new teammate, Cooper.

“As the winter went on, I was still looking for a ride and it looked like something might be possible with Bathams again,” Mackenzie explained to MCN. “We kept in touch, and I carried on doing what I was doing. It’s going ahead now and it’s something I’m really chuffed about.

“It’s funny, when you sign for a new team it’s like your first day at school, everything is all a bit awkward, you don’t really know anyone and you’ve got to get used to it, but just by doing the team pictures and being around the team again, it’s like being at home for me. Even last year when I was having a tough time they still kept in touch and had my back. It’s nice to be a part of that and they’re all motivated to have a good year.

“When I first started the project, I had no idea whether it would work or not. I think for somebody like Michael [Rutter], he enjoys watching it and he saw how motivated I was to get back on the grid; I don’t just play with my motorbike racing, I take it seriously and I want to do a good job. I gave it everything I can to give myself the best shot and it paid off.”

Mackenzie’s YouTube channel continues to expand and the 2016 Superstock 1000 champion now has over 13,000 followers, with his videos receiving thousands of views. Fans can now expect to see behind the scenes footage at Bathams Racing throughout the season, with Mackenzie showcasing what it’s actually like to go racing and the hard work that’s put in by riders and teams.

“I’m so thankful to everybody who played a part in this because as much as it’s me going racing this year, it wouldn’t have been possible without everybody who watched my videos and came onboard with the project. I’m just so grateful to everybody who helped make it happen.”

In his last Superstock 1000 campaign (2019), which was also with Bathams Racing, Mackenzie secured four race wins and nine podiums to finish second overall – despite missing the final two rounds after debuting with TAS Racing in the Superbike class.

Taylor has impressed a lot of people doing what he’s been doing,” team boss Michael Rutter told MCN “People will now get to see a bit more about the inside of racing as well. You have to take the rough with the smooth. We don’t have happy days every day, racing is mainly disappointment, the only time you’re happy is when you win. It’ll be good for people to see what does go on behind the scenes.

“Taylor is always calm; I’ve only ever seen him flustered once really and he does a lot of homework. Like a lot of good riders, he watches and takes everything in. I know he struggled on the Superbike last year but there’s a million reasons why. I think we have two of the best riders out there and hopefully Taylor can do the business with Richard in his corner too. We have Richard helping us every weekend until he’s fit and ready to race.”

Bathams Racing are hoping to get their hands on the all-new BMW M1000 RR as soon as possible, whilst Rutter will also be racing alongside Mackenzie at selected rounds.

The 2021 BSB season is due to begin at Oulton Park on the second Bank Holiday weekend in May (29-31).