Scottish motorcycle fans are set for a thrilling spectacle at Knockhill on July 3rd / 4th as racing legend Niall Mackenzie prepares to don his leathers again. Mackenzie has confirmed that he will be a guest rider in the new Henderson Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy race, which is thundering into Scotland as a support race in this year’s British Superbike Championship event.
Mackenzie is aiming to prove that he still has the talent that once saw him lead a British GP race when he goes head to head with the XR1200 Trophy field, which includes a mix of talented young riders and more experienced riders such as former MotoGP star Jeremy McWilliams and BSB veteran Sean Emmett.
He will also go up against experienced Scottish endurance rider Gordon Grigor who is participating in the series on behalf of West Coast Harley Davidson. Following reports of successful testing at Knockhill, Edinburgh Harley-Davidson rider Torquil Paterson is also expected to be a strong contender.
Niall will take to the track aboard one of the XR1200 motorcycles that has been fielded by Harley-Davidson UK and Ireland. The Scot is no stranger to the machines as he was involved in the development process of the bikes with Harley-Davidson and Harris Performance. Mackenzie was impressed by the power and fun factor of the bikes after he rode one at Silverstone last year.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in the Henderson Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy,” said Niall, “and it’s even better that I’m able to do it at my home round of Knockhill. The first time I rode the bike, I got off with a huge smile on my face and that wasn’t even a race, so I think I’m going to enjoy myself and it will be great to have the Scottish fans cheering me on.”
“We’re delighted to have Niall involved in our all new one-make race series,” said Jessica Tideswell, Marketing Manager for Harley-Davidson UK & Ireland. “Feedback from leading riders like Niall played an important role in helping us develop a stock road going XR1200 motorcycle into a race machine, so it’s great to have back on the bike and right in the middle of the live, thrilling action at his local BSB event.”
Knockhill’s Event Director Stuart Gray added “There is no greater name in British Motorcycle racing over the last 25 years than Niall Mackenzie. Niall is a true ambassador for the sport and such an approachable chap too and I’m sure he will put on a great show for the 1000’s of fans he still has. We are delighted to be the chosen venue for this one-off race and what better day to race an American bike than on July 4th!”