Press Release

CAS Honda: Mackenzie Fights at the Front in the Netherlands

26th April 2009 – Round Four of the World MX1 Championship – Valkenswaard, The Netherlands


CAS Honda's Billy Mackenzie demonstrated two fighting performances at today's Grand Prix of Benelux in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands, for round four of the World MX1 Championship.


During yesterday's qualifying heat it was teammate Cedric Melotte who shot to the front of the field and held second place with Mackenzie close behind in fourth position. Mackenzie fought his way past Josh Coppins on lap five to take up third place before taking advantage of a mistake from Melotte, which handed him second position with just eight minutes to go of the 20-minute plus two-lap moto.


Mackenzie showed his true ability and speed aboard his CRF450R with a second place finish, while Melotte remounted his machine and came back through the pack to finish in a strong sixth position.


In the opening moto of today both riders achieved strong starts with Mackenzie in second and Melotte in fifth place by the end of lap one. Mackenzie soon stole the lead from Marc De Reuver, and dominated the front of the field for nine laps of the 35-minute plus two-lap moto.


A smooth and consistent ride from Mackenzie around the sand circuit showed the CAS Honda pilot's exceptional speed, although his race fitness, which has hindered his progress due to injury since the beginning of the season, caused him to falter in the closing stages. The fighting 25-year-old Scottish-ace gritted his teeth to work through the arm pump he was suffering from and managed to cross the line in a promising eighth position, bagging him valuable points for his World MX1 Championship campaign.


Melotte fought hard throughout the race, but dropped back to twelfth position as the back injury that ruled him out of the last Grand Prix began to cause him some discomfort. After the race the 30-year-old Belgian rider was in severe pain with his lower back, and was unable to continue with the remainder of the day's proceedings.


In the second moto Billy gated well, but a collision with another rider into the first turn saw him crash mid-pack. He remounted into last position and fought his way back through the field with a display of incredible determination.


Mackenzie engaged in a battle with Ken de Dycker and Antonio Cairoli whilst in twelfth position on lap three. However the luckless CAS Honda pilot was taken down by a side-sweeping de Dycker, and remounted back into just 18th position.


Mackenzie once again fought his way back through the field with a convincing performance, and despite being hit again by another rider on lap six, he managed to cross the finish line in 14th place.


Billy Mackenzie #211 - Race one: 8th Race two: 14th

"In the first race I was feeling really good and I was enjoying my riding out there. We've come on lots in the last two weeks, as I've had time on the bike and been able to train properly, which we haven't been able to do previously due to my arm injury. The bike was working well, and we showed some of the speed we are capable of, although I'm still lacking a little bit to maintain my speed all the way through the race. I just need to do more motos, and we'll continue to work on this during the next two weeks. The second race I got a good start but ended up dead last out of the first turn. I fought my way back through the pack, only to be taken out by another rider. The result doesn't reflect my speed and I felt much more comfortable on the bike than I have done recently. Hopefully with some luck on our side we will be back at the front of the field in the next few races. I'd also like to thank the team for all of their hard work in the last few weeks."


Cedric Melotte #10 - Race one: 12th

"After testing this week we thought it would be possible to race, as my injury was feeling much better. We made some good steps forward with our machine set-up, and I was feeling happy all weekend. In the qualifying race I showed I was able to run at the front, although a mistake in the closing stages put me back in sixth place. In the opening race of today I was running in the top six, but my back pain set in again and I just had to hang onto as many positions as possible. I was unable to move or walk very well after the race, so we decided it would be best not to contest the second moto in case of further injury. I will now return to Belgium for a further diagnosis and treatment on the area, but obviously I am bitterly disappointed we haven't managed to resolve the problem."


Neil Prince: CAS Honda Team Manager

"I am happy with today's performance, as we've made a huge amount of progress since the Turkey Grand Prix. Billy rode well in both motos, especially in the first race where he led the field for over 20 minutes. He still needs a bit more riding time to bring himself up-to full race fitness, which he has lacked since his injury, but he is riding much more smoothly and consistently now, and has shown great speed right the way through the weekend. In the second race he was unlucky, but again he rode a very strong race and this is a real indication of the ability that he has. Cedric was riding very well too this weekend, but his back injury is still causing him trouble. We are not sure what the situation will be with this yet, and he will return home for a full investigation into the problem."

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