The MacKenzie name returns to the World Championship

Niall MacKenzie’s contribution to British motorcycling is undoubted. Fourteen seasons in the World Championship with a best finish of fourth in the 500cc class in 1990, the Scottish rider achieved seven podium finishes in his career. The last of those came at Donington in 1993 when he placed third on his ROC Yamaha behind Luca Cadalora and Wayne Rainey.

That was the year his son Taylor was born, and this weekend the youngster will make his World Championship debut as a wildcard rider at the AirAsia British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

And so motorcycling is in Taylor’s genes. At four years old he received his first bike, a PW50, and at 13 started competing in the Scottish and British minibike championships. In 2008 Taylor debuted in the BSB 125cc, a championship he rode in again in 2009 as well as participating in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. This year he is once more riding in the BSB, where he achieved his first win in the fourth round at Cadwell Park.

Taylor is riding with the KRP team under the guidance of Bradley Smith, and in which Niall is involved as well. “It’s an interesting experience which is more stressful than when I rode because I know what happens on the track, but when we achieve a good result I’m really happy. I’ve worked with many riders, but working with your son is more fun and more satisfying,” said Niall.

Taylor added: “He has great experience which is of great help to me. I listen and follow his advice, which is not always right but nearly always!”

The opportunity to ride at a GP is a fantastic one in the view of Niall, who continued: “He has to take as much experience from the weekend as possible. I am happy for him because he will share the track with his heroes Bradley, Márquez, Terol… guys he sees on TV every weekend. When the weekend ends, I am sure he will be a better rider. It will be very good for his sporting career.”