Official: Tarran Mackenzie to make WorldSBK debut at Donington Park

After missing his first scheduled WorldSBK wild-card in Assen, reigning BSB champion Tarran Mackenzie will now make his world championship debut at Donington Park next month.
Tarran Mackenzie, Yamaha British Superbike Knockhill
Tarran Mackenzie, Yamaha British Superbike Knockhill

Mackenzie, who was initially set for three WorldSBK wild-card appearances in 2022, had to pull out of the Dutch round in Assen due to injuries suffered in pre-season testing. 

Since undergoing successful surgery on a broken right ankle, Mackenzie has been back in action during the last two BSB rounds, where he claimed a best finish of sixth at Donington Park. 

"I am very excited to finally make my debut in the Superbike World Championship at Donington," said Mackenzie. 

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"It feels like it's been a long time coming and I was obviously disappointed when we couldn't do Assen.

"Donington is a special track for me as it's only 10 minutes down the road from home, I've had some great success there in BSB so I am looking forward to getting out on a World Superbike-spec R1 and seeing what both myself and the McAMS Yamaha team can achieve. 

"Obviously, there is a lot to learn with the engine and electronics, but I know the chassis well as my BSB bike is very similar. The level in World Championship is really high and I'm looking forward to getting out on track and giving it our all. 

"I have to say a huge thanks to Steve and the McAMS Yamaha team, as well as Andrea and everyone at Yamaha Racing for making this possible."

A consistent challenger in 2020, Mackenzie really found his race-winning form in 2021 as he went on to win 10 times. 

A brilliant showdown performance was enough for Mackenzie to overhaul team-mate Jason O’Halloran, and with that claim a first BSB title 25 years after his father, Niall Mackenzie accomplished the same feat.

Tarran Mackenzie Yamaha BSB
Tarran Mackenzie Yamaha BSB

Mackenzie will be hoping his first world championship appearance can be a dress rehearsal for 2023, as he attempts to move across to WorldSBK permanently. 

Speaking about Mackenzie’s WorldSBK debut, Andre Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager added: "We are looking forward to supporting Tarran and the McAMS Yamaha Team as they make their WorldSBK debut with a wildcard appearance at Donington, after what was an incredibly successful 2021 season for them in the British Superbike Championship. 

"We have enjoyed a long and fruitful working relationship with the McAMS team and their two riders, with a real two-way collaboration bringing benefits for all. 

"We are delighted to see Tarran and McAMS step up onto the world stage in Donington, as this fits perfectly with Yamaha’s racing philosophy of offering opportunities to the best riders and teams worldwide."

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