BSS: Kennedy, Mackenzie in high spirits

'It was a great test for everyone involved and coming away from Almeria loving the bike and the team is a pretty positive start I'd say' - Jack Kennedy

Kyle White

05 Mar 2012

Northern Ireland British championship outfit Mar-Train Racing has completed a three-day test with Supersport riders Jack Kennedy and Taylor Mackenzie at Almeria in Spain.

Both riders successfully carried out development work during the three-day shakedown at the Racedays event over the weekend.

Kennedy said: "It was a great test for everyone involved and coming away from Almeria loving the bike and the team is a pretty positive start I'd say. On the first day we had the expected bike gremlins and didn't complete a lot of track time, but once we had it sorted, days two and three were great.

"My times were coming down session on session with the help of some de-briefs with my crew chief Andy Jamison. Thankfully all the little changes we made seemed to work and in the 'fun race' at the end of the event we finished P1 and I set my best lap time."

Mackenzie is on a high following his first outing on the Mar-Train Yamaha R6 and was pleasantly surprised by his overall speed.

"I've really enjoyed my time with the team over the weekend and my first run on the Mar-Train Yamaha. I must say I really do love riding the four-stroke R6, so a big thanks to Andy Jamison for all his help," he said.

"I went a lot faster than I expected, so I'm really happy how the test went. I'm learning every time I get on the bike, so I can't wait to get to Brands now."

Team principal Tim Martin added: "It's been a really positive test for the team in general and it was great to see the two boys forming a rapport that will hopefully continue throughout the season. We had a few issues on the opening day, but I'm glad it happened when it did, but once we got everything sorted it ran like clockwork.

"Once we got Jack up to speed we were able to transfer his settings into Taylor's bike and that helped him a great deal. The whole team gelled very well and Stuart Morrison, who will be Taylor's chassis mechanic this season, worked well alongside our regular team members.

"I must also say Niall Mackenzie is the easiest 'racing father' I ever had the pleasure to work with. On top of that the weather was glorious which also helps, so positive all round."