BOLD BILLY MAINTAINS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD

CAS Hondas Billy Mackenzie rode through the pain barrier to finish fifth overall last weekend for the seventh round of the British MX1 Championship, despite suffering from the injuries sustained last time out at the Czech Republic Grand Prix.

The determined Scotsman always knew riding this weekend would be a challenge following the heavy fall he encountered at Loket just one week ago, which caused damage to his hip and back. With a lack of practice time on the bike due to the rest required to help his injuries recover, a severely bruised Mackenzie initially suffered with arm pump and finished this morning's timed practice in fifth position overall.

Undeterred, despite being visibly in a lot of discomfort, Mackenzie got a good start to the first moto into third place. The 23-year-old battled with the leading group before dropping back as arm pump and pain affected the CAS Honda rider, to finish in an eventual sixth position.

Mackenzie was intent of improving his result in race two and fired to fourth place out of the gate aboard his CRF450R. The gritty Honda rider quickly moved up to steal the lead from Ray Rowson, but his physical condition began to take effect once again, causing him to stall and crash four laps later. The Scottish-ace re-joined the race in fifth position and fought his way through the pain barrier to the end of the 30-minute plus two-lap moto, although he was caught and passed in the closing stages by Brad Anderson to finish in sixth place.

Mackenzie, who has won every race he has started so far this season in the British MX1 Championship, was disappointed to have ended his domination of the series, finishing the day fifth overall. The CAS Honda pilot has however gained valuable points to maintain a 22-point advantage over James Noble in the title standings heading into the final round at Hawkstone Park in five weeks time.

Billy Mackenzie #1 - 6th overall
"I was determined to ride this weekend as I didn't want to see all the hard work we've done so far this season slip away by not competing. I'm pretty battered and bruised; just getting on the bike was painful, but we had a job to do today and we managed to achieve what we aimed for. I am gutted that we've ended a perfect season where we've won every British race we've started, but that's racing I guess. I suffered with arm pump throughout the day because I've just had to rest all week, and we did the best we could with what we had. I was in a lot of pain, as every little bump and jar made my legs go numb, but we've maintained a healthy points lead in the championship, which is the main thing. I now have to try and recover ready for the next Grand Prix in Ireland, but I'm under no illusion that it's going to be an easy task. I need time on the bike but my body needs rest, so we'll just have to see what happens and have as much treatment as I can to put us in the best possible stead for the next race."

CAS Honda Team Manager: Neil Prince
"Today was really about damage limitation. Billy demonstrated a fighting spirit because he couldn't have ridden any harder with the injuries he is carrying, and finishing the races was important to maintain his championship lead. The bruising around his back and hips is quite severe, which caused a lot of numbness every time he hit a bump or jarred his legs.  All things considered Billy did a good job this weekend, especially as he hasn't ridden at all during the week and today has put him in a strong position heading into the final round at Hawkstone Park. He now must rest to improve his physical condition before the next Grand Prix in Ireland in two weeks time and I hope he will be fit enough to be able to ride leading up to the event."