Mackenzie takes first podiums of 2021 at Knockhill

McAMS Yamaha rider Tarran Mackenzie secured his first podiums of the 2021 Bennetts British Superbike campaign following a qualifying session that saw him crash and start race one 15th. 

The Scottish rider was able to impressively pick off a large group of riders in front of him on route to claiming sixth place.  

The better starting position was key for Mackenzie come Sunday’s double header - as we saw with team-mate Jason O’Halloran who endured his two worst races of the year when starting on the third row. 

Mackenzie was fifth for much of the second race before taking fourth from Peter Hickman and then third from Christian Iddon on the final lap. 

It was a similar story between Mackenzie and Iddon during the final race, as the Ducati rider once again lost out late on. 

But unlike race two, Mackenzie had a real shot of getting second as he closed in on Rory Skinner with five to go, however, a red flag brought the race to a premature end meaning second, third and fourth were unchanged. 

Speaking after the race, Mackenzie added: "I’m really happy with today’s races, starting on the front row in the final race made the first few laps a bit easier. 

"I felt strong in both races, in the final race I was a bit gutted with the red flag as I thought I could have pushed on and got better than third. 

"It might have been hard to beat Danny [Buchan] but I think second was a possibility. 

"After a crash in qualifying yesterday, I’m happy to have two podiums today to continue a strong start to 2021. Bring on Brands Hatch."