Mackenzie checks out British GP progress.

Leading MX1 rider Billy Mackenzie made a surprise appearance at Mallory Park last week, to see for himself how the track build for this year's Motocross Grand Prix of Great Britain is progressing.

This year's British Grand Prix at Mallory Park takes on the weekend of 30th and 31st May, just four weeks away, but already the venue, and the all-important track, is starting to take shape.

CAS Honda star Mackenzie was certainly impressed with the work carried out so far, after a guided tour of the track by RHL director, Gareth Hockey.

"I only live down the road in Derby, so I came up to see how work is progressing with the track build for the British Grand Prix," explained Mackenzie. "Right now the track looks awesome and I'm really impressed with the work that's been done so far."

"It looks like everything is going really well. There are some nice big jumps and the layout has changed a little from last year, which is pretty cool. Now I can't wait to get here and ride round it in my home race," continued the reigning British MX1 champion.

Mackenzie has had a difficult start to the season, which has been hampered by injuries, but the 25-year-old Scot has made huge steps forward in recent weeks, and is determined to put on a good show for the home fans when the Grand Prix circus comes to Mallory Park at the end of May.

"For me the British Grand Prix is going to be really important this year," said Mackenzie. "After a difficult start to the season, I had my first good race last week in Valkenswaard aboard the CAS Honda CRF450R, and I want to make sure I'm up there for all of the fans after the Spanish and Portuguese races."

"I enjoyed the track at Mallory Park last year, it was real technical and that's how I like it. I had a fourth place in the second race, and we'll need to just focus on having a good weekend right from the start so we can challenge for a podium or a win."

Living locally to Mallory Park as he does, Mackenzie is planning some more surprise visits to check up on the track construction over the next few weeks.

"Going back to the track build, at the moment things are going really well and I would say that there's nothing that needs changing. Justin Barclay has been working very closely with Gareth Hockey on the layout, and they both know what they're doing. I really think this year is going to be even better than last year."

Mackenzie is looking forward to returning to Mallory Park at the end of May for the race, where he can once again count on the enthusiastic support of the British fans.

"The British Grand Prix is always one of the best on the GP calendar, and it's hugely important that everyone gets behind us to make it a great event. I want everyone here with British flags and air horns, cheering the British riders on, because it gives us that extra bit of motivation. In return, we'll be doing our very best to reward them with a good result," concluded Mackenzie.

The Motocross Grand Prix of Great Britain also incorporates the British round of the World Supermoto Championship.