SBK, like father, like son: Tarran Mackenzie will be British Superbike Champion in 2021

In an exciting epilogue, full of uncertainty up to a few meters from the checkered flag, Tarran Mackenzie became the 2021 British Superbike Champion on the ups and downs of the historic Brands Hatch circuit. At the end of a brilliant second race, in which he had to face Tommy Bridewell again, the McAMS Yamaha man got his personal double and the title by just 87 thousandths in one fell swoop and started the decisive attack in the Clarke on the last lap. Curve . With his ninth win of the season and his first career laurel in the premier class of the British series, Niall’s son repeated his father Niall’s feat 23 years later.

Mackenzie to celebrate

In a race that was at times marked by a few raindrops, the scenario from Saturday was repeated from the start, with the MotoRapido Ducati rider being the only one able to withstand the Scot. After an early necessary study phase, the fight was only decided in the last rounds, when both men delivered a duel in the old style as in the past without inhibitions in pure BSB manner with a double (possible) scenario: in the event of a victory of Bridesmaid the championship outcome would have been decided in the next race 3, otherwise Mackenzie would be celebrated early. Although he had to work up a sweat, Tarran managed to oust the Ducati rider in the sprint finish.

Between past, present and future

While we wait for the third race, which is scheduled for late afternoon, for the British SuperSport 600 Champion 2016 this marks the final consecration in a 2021 in which he did not start as a favorite. Although, in contrast to Jason O’Halloran (3rd in race 2 ahead of Christian Iddon) and Dominator of the regular season, he was often out of the limelight, in the showdown, in addition to the mishaps of his teammate, the decisive pace change came. In his fourth season at BSB together with Steve Rodgers’ team, the title won brings the Mackenzie family back to the top in Great Britain after the triumphs of father Niall in the three-year period 1996-98. And now? Apart from being able to defend the title, although there does not appear to be any places available in the World Cup (especially with Yamaha …), In the last few hours there have been rumors of a possible interest from Borgo Panigale. The next few weeks will be crucial.

Photo credit: Mike Petch.

RACE 2 RESULTS: