Tyco Suzuki British Supersport rider Taylor Mackenzie gives you an insight into the first quarter of the season in the middleweight division riding a GSX-R600.
Considering this time last year I hadn’t scored a single point in British Supersport, I’m pretty pleased to say that I’m snapping at the heels of the top ten British Supersport riders.
I can’t say that I’m not disappointed not to have finished a bit higher up in these opening races, but that’s just in my nature. British Supersport is as tough as ever this season and to start breaking into the top six this year is no easy task, but it is definitely my goal when we return from this short break.
I had a good opening practice session at Oulton Park last weekend with tenth place. I was confident I could improve on this in qualifying but it wasn’t to be. I found myself trying way too hard and the key to going fast at Oulton Park is being as smooth as possible.
I was gutted to end the session in 16th place, only going 0.1sec faster than the day before, but I realised my mistake though and knew that I could improve in the race. I got a good start in the race and found myself in a dice for eleventh place. I wasn’t able to do anything with them though so I finished thirteenth and a bit frustrated to say the least.
I knew I was still over riding the bike everywhere, so I went out with a completely different frame of mind in the morning warm up and it seemed to do the trick! I ended warm-up in seventh place and went half a second faster than I had all weekend. I also set my personal best lap time round Oulton Park. Starting fifteenth on the grid for the second race I knew a good start was key.
I did just that and managed to work my way up to eighth place, before running on at the chicane and dropping to thirteenth. Eventually I fought my way right back up to ninth on the last lap, narrowly missing out on eighth at the chequered flag. I went faster again in the race and left Oulton Park a lot more confident in myself.
Knockhill can’t come quick enough for me. I’m aware I need to make some small improvements with my riding and I’m sure it won’t be long until I find myself in battles for the top six. As always I have to say a massive thank you to Danny, Derek, Philip Neill and the whole of the Tyco Suzuki crew. They certainly bring out the best in me and my GSX-R 600.
Although there is now a five-week break until the next race at Knockhill, it’s certainly not going to be a rest period for me, as I seem to be working here there and everywhere. I’ll be instructing at race schools and selling the RST leathers and AGV helmets that I wear, but it keeps me busy and I enjoy being involved.
I’ll not be at the North West 200 next week but will certainly be at the TT cheering on our riders Josh Brookes and Guy Martin. It’s an awesome place but I think I much prefer watching from the sidelines, although I’m sure the guys will do Tyco and Suzuki and all our other sponsors proud.
Bye for now!
