Mackenzie completes MCE BSB line-up as Cooper bids for Superstock glory with Bennetts Suzuki
Reigning Pirelli National Superstock 1000 champion Taylor Mackenzie will make a return to the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in 2017 in the Bennetts Suzuki squad alongside Sylvain Guintoli.
23-year-old Mackenzie from Ashby scored six race wins and a further two podium finishes to hold off his closest rival Ian Hutchinson in the battle for the Superstock title this season and is now eager to return to the premier class.
MCE BSB race winner Richard Cooper meanwhile will be gunning for a second title in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship after confirming his return with the team next season on the all-new Bennetts Suzuki.
Cooper claimed his first race win in MCE BSB at Oulton Park this year and narrowly missed out on a place in the Showdown and the 33-year-old is now looking forward to trying to reclaim the title he last won in 2011 with the team onboard the all-new GSX-R1000.
Mackenzie said: “I’m over the moon to be stepping up to the Superbike class in 2017 with Bennetts Suzuki and Hawk Racing. I couldn’t have asked for a better 2016 and I learnt a lot during the year so I feel like now is the perfect opportunity to move up to BSB.
“I’m also very excited to ride alongside Sylvain next year as he has a lot of success and experience that I’m sure I can learn from. I really can’t wait to get going now; Christmas has come early for me!”
Cooper said: “I’m really excited to go racing next year for lots of reasons. Firstly, being involved with the new Bennetts Suzuki team is something that really appealed to me, I know how important it will be to the manufacturer to fight for the Superstock championship in 2017 and with the new format of races it should work in my favour.
“I’ve proved I can win races in any championship that I choose to ride in and Hawk racing has won this title twice before once with Taylor Mackenzie last year and I won it back in 2011 for them, so I know I’ve got the best team around to do the job.
“I’m under no illusion it will not be easy next year as there is already a long list of ex BSB riders and already well established Superstock riders ready for the fight, but, the one advantage I have is the new GSX-R1000 looks very good on paper and even better in real life and with the direct factory support we will be getting I’m sure we will be a winning combination.”
Team Manager Steve Hicken commented: “Sylvain, Taylor and Richard are all top riders, and between them they’ve a wealth of knowledge and experience of racing at different levels. We’re delighted to retain the services of Taylor after he had such a successful year, dominating the stock class.
“We were very keen that our 2017 plans should have a solid mix of experience and young British talent which I believe we now have in a perfect combination. We are fully committed to racing, as are the riders and together with the factory support from Suzuki I feel that we can challenge for both Championships next year.”
For more information visit www.britishsuperbike.com