Published: Friday, 3rd October, 2008 12:20pm

British superbike champion Mackenzie returns to Knockhill

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TRIPLE British Superbike champion and Scottish track hero Niall Mackenzie has been persuaded by bosses at Knockhill Racing Circuit to return to racing for one weekend only.

This Sunday, 5th October, Mackenzie will be racing in the closely fought 'Supersport 600' class, which forms part of the action-packed programme at the traditional end of season 'Jock Taylor Race Meeting' staged in memory of Scotland's world champion sidecar racer, who was killed tragically while competing in a race on the Imatra circuit in Finland in 1982.

Mackenzie, who now lives in Ashby-de-la-Zouche, is still very much involved in the high speed world of motorcycles in coaching, management and media roles and said, "I agreed to do this special race meeting at Knockhill last year but unfortunately had to withdraw my entry due to having to undergo an operation so one year on I am fulfilling my promise to Derek Butcher and his enthusiastic team by dusting down my leathers and throwing my leg over a bike."

The bike in question is the Honda CBR 600RR belonging to another flying Scot, Knockhill-based bike dealer and four times Scottish Supersport 600 champion Bob Grant.

Added Niall, "Knockhill and Bob have got together and provided me with a proven, championship-winning machine so I'm running out of excuses.

"It's a very hotly-contested class in Scotland and I'll have to get rid of the race rust early on if I hope to be in contention but I am looking forward to riding in front of a home crowd."

Backing up Niall will be the most junior member of the Mackenzie clan, 12-year-old Tarran, who will be competing in the field of Formula 125's with his Aprilia RS 125.

Said Niall, "I think it will be an interesting weekend for both myself and Tarran.

"With both our our classes being so closely contested there's certainly never going to be a dull moment and we are looking forward to a great end of season."

Sidecar racing will be prolific in Sunday's action-packed programme with top teams from Scotland, the Isle of Man, England and Wales battling it out for honours in the 'Celtic Cup'.

The final race for the three-wheeled, 160mph racing chariots will be the 'Jock Taylor' with every competitor determined to win the prestigious Jock Taylor Trophy.

The race meeting, organised by Kirkcaldy District Motor Club, will feature the finals of every class in the Scottish Championships including the Formula 125 series, Classics, 600 production, Mini-Twin/F400s, 400 Production and the big 1000cc Superstocks.

The Celtic Challenge also extends to solo machines as well as the sidecars.

Warm-up sessions start at 9am with race action from around 10am.