Biker Taylor hoping for a happier 2021
Superbike star Taylor Mackenzie has admitted that he wasn’t surprised to be dropped by BMW after a frustrating year - despite racing with a broken leg.
The Stirling born 27-year-old, who is the son of former grand-prix ace Niall Mackenzie, lost his ride with Synetiq BMW last month - after a difficult season where injury restricted him to just a handful of points scoring finishes.
However after successful surgery, and having defied doctors by even getting back on a bike in 2020, Taylor is now eager to get back to the sharp end.
He said: “As a motorbike racer you’re only as good as your last race unfortunately and that’s what gets you a contract for the year after, so it’s lit a real fire in my belly to come back next season and have a really strong year
“Unfortunately I broke my leg at the start of the year that led me to have a bad season.
“The previous year I did a wildcard race for the team and I scored more points in one wildcard race than I did in all the races this season combined, so I think that really puts into perspective how this year went for me
“Now I’ve had the operation, I’m well on the mend and there are no hard feelings between me and the team. I’m confident that I’ll be able to have a really good season when I’m back to full fitness.”
With motorsport often considered a glamorous pursuit, Taylor also opened up on the realities of not having your contract renewed with a racing team.
He continued: “The reality of things for me now right now are that I genuinely don’t have a job. There is no offer on the table that I could sign today to race in
British Superbikes next season, but what does look more likely for me is that if i could get some money together I’ll be able to race in the British Superstock Championship next season.”
And having starred in the support series in the past, winning the title in 2016 and finishing second in 2019, Taylor is confident that a return to the class would be a positive move for his career.
He continued: “Hopefully that would give me an opportunity to rebuild my confidence and come back better.
“I’ve had a new operation now to mend my knee and I’m well on the road to recovery so I’m really motivated to come back next season and have the best year of my racing career yet.
“Every time I’ve had a bad year in racing it’s normally been followed by my best year the year after because it gives me that extra motivation to really come out fighting and prove a point.”