19th SEPTEMBER 2016

ICE Racing Update

A triumphant weekend for the Buildbase BMW Motorrad team as Taylor Mackenzie takes the Pirelli National Superstock 1000cc Championship title at Donington Park Circuit.

Following an action-packed 2016 season, the fight for the Stock 1000cc Championship title reached its climax during round 10 at Donington Park this weekend. The battle between Taylor Mackenzie and Ian Hutchinson has kept fans gripped as the action played out over the past few months. Taylor took to the top of the leader-board from the very first round back in April and has fought hard to defend his lead at each and every round since. Even after suffering a few setbacks and penalties, the Ashby youngsters race pace just couldn’t be matched.

With perfect weather conditions, Taylor lined up in 8th place; having qualified in second the number 77 rider was docked six spots on the grid following an appeal from Tyco BMW for an incident at Oulton Park. The deployment of the safety car and a subsequent incident saw the race red-flagged not long into the 16 laps. Restarting for 10 laps Taylor was quick to work his way from fourth to the head of the pack with Michael Rutter close behind. In dominant form, Mackenzie took control of the remainder of the race, powering his BMW S 1000 RR to victory and being crowned the Pirelli National Superstock 1000cc Championship winner.

Teammate Richard Cooper had a great weekend also, strong practice and qualifying earned 6th place and the top BMW to cross the finish line in race one. Cooper fought hard in race two battling Tommy Bridewell, it was at the first corner, Redgate, that the Nottinghamshire rider made his move to pass Bridewell, claiming fifth. The no.47 rider is the top BMW in the Championship standing in seventh place. Fellow red and white BMW rider Lee Jackson, who turned 21 on Friday, had a tougher weekend, crossing the line for the chequered flag in 12th and 11th respectively.

Taylor Mackenzie: “It’s a massive relief, the team and I have worked incredibly hard all year to make this happen. I really can’t thank them all enough, it’s an amazing feeling and I am looking forward to having a more relaxed end to the year. A big thank you to my sponsors for their continued support too!”

Richard Cooper: “Strong weekend from the start, we concentrated on the SC1 tyre, and set the bike up around this, which worked really well. With the conditions changing from practice and the sun coming out and the track temperature we made a last-minute decision to change to SC0 tyre. The set up gained throughout practice worked well for both, and I had the confidence to push on and get two top six places, 6th and 5th for the two races. The team have worked hard and I feel we are back on track after a little inconsistency in the previous rounds. I am looking forward to Assen and I’m confident the bike will work well.”

Lee Jackson: “It has been a tough weekend for me. We worked hard on Friday to make improvements for Saturday. Unfortunately, the good qualifying didn’t follow through into the races. I am disappointed for me and for the team. It's gutting not to be within the top ten. Thank you to my team for all of their hard work, as always, even when it's challenging at times.”

Steve Hicken, Team Manager: “Well done to Taylor, we are incredibly proud that he’s been able to take the crown. He’s had a fantastic race season, keeping his focus and continually showing that he’s got the race pace required and it’s paid off. The team have worked hard to put him in the best possible position for each race and he’s rewarded us in the best way, by clinching the Championship title. Richard had a good run out this weekend too, for the last two rounds of the championship our aim is to be the top BMW.”