Mackenzie emulates his father's success with first BSB title 25 years later

Tarran Mackenzie has replicated the success of his father, Niall Mackenzie, by winning the 2021 Bennetts British Superbike Championship 25 years later.

Mackenzie clinched the title after a stunning last lap battle with Tommy Bridewell, before going on to complete a season finale hat-trick in race three at Brands Hatch.

As was the case in both race one and two, Mackenzie got the better of Bridewell, while team-mate Jason O’Halloran was third for the second time in two races. 

The Australian was without doubt the rider of the season before the showdown began - led the championship by over 120 points - however, it was team-mate Mackenzie who dealt best with the last three rounds as he won five out of nine races. 

"Honestly, I can’t believe it. It’s been a roller-coaster of a year! I’ve visualized coming round and seeing everyone there at Graham Hill Bend," said Mackenzie. 

"When you watch BSB as a fan, you see Leon Haslam, Brookes and Shakey, and all those heroes over the years, pull up at Graham Hill to get their bib and gold helmet. As a rookie in 2018, that’s what I aspired to and I’ve made it happen!

"And to do it 25 years since my dad won his title is amazing – it’s a bit of a fairytale. 

"We never really talked about it all year until the showdown. Going into the last round, a lot of people were talking about it but I just didn’t want to think about it really. 

"I just wanted to get the job done and then we could talk about it. Dad won the first proper BSB championship when I wasn’t even one year old, so to do it 25 years on is great but also to do it on a Yamaha is just incredible."

Mackenzie is unlikely to defend his title in 2022 as a move to WorldSBK is becoming increasingly likely.