News 20 Jul 2010

Oz MX: Mackenzie still focussed on title after fifth at Moree

Mackenzie sits third in the Pro Open title chase with one round remaining.

Mackenzie sits third in the Pro Open title chase with one round remaining.

Kawasaki Racing Team rider Billy Mackenzie remains upbeat that he still has a chance at the 2010 Pro Open Rockstar Energy MX Nationals Championship, despite sitting 47 points behind series leader Jay Marmont heading into this weekend’s season finale at Coolum in Queensland.

The Scottish star finished fifth overall at Moree’s penultimate round last weekend with 5-7-10-4 results in the Sprint format, losing vital points while Marmont streaked to his first overall victory of the season.

“I’m frustrated with how things have turned out over the last couple of weeks – I did it particularly tough today,” Mackenzie commented. “I got good starts and found the lead early in most motos, but hit a wall after four or five laps. I started to feel really dizzy and drained with no power and started slipping back from there.

“There’s one round left and it’s the most important. I’ve got to try and make things right. All I can do is try to win as many motos as I can. A lot of riders are making mistakes so nothing’s given. It’s going to be a close battle between the top five or six riders and the best man will win.”

Mackenzie was an early-season title favourite, boasting multiple Motocross Grand Prix wins on his resume, however a wrist injury suffered at Canberra’s second round derailed his title prospects and he’s fought to regain points in the remaining rounds.

Pro Lites teammate Cody Mackie raced to a solid third overall for the round in his second podium in succession, now sitting fourth in the series just five points back from second position.

“My starts were the worst they’ve been all year – I wish I’d gotten better starts today because my results really don’t reflect how well I rode,” he said. “I just didn’t get the results I think I deserved but that’s how it goes. I really want to finish the series off on a high next weekend at Coolum.”

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