Mackenzie Stuns On Senior Debut

press release

Mackenzie Taylor set tongues wagging after finishing 2nd on his maiden senior race yesterday (12 October).

Fresh from finishing his junior career as the British Super 1 Vice-Champion, 15-year old Mackenzie travelled to Parma in Italy - for the annual, two-part Industrial Trophy - with no experience of the faster, KF2 class machinery.

In timed qualifying, he astonished seasoned onlookers - posting the 2nd fastest time, just behind Ricky Flynn Motorsport team-mate, Robert Foster-Jones.

Amongst a quality field of 94 other drivers from across Europe, he then showed his potential by finishing in 3rd in his first heat, before winning the 2nd.

This put him alongside Foster-Jones on the front row of the grid for the final.

A slip-up at the start saw Mackenzie lose places as the 34-kart pack plunged into the first corner. However, he kept his cool and soon began chipping his way back up the order.

By lap 10, he was in 2nd and could see Foster-Jones ahead - and set about reeling him in. A series of fast laps saw Mackenzie close the gap from over three seconds, down to just four tenths of a second.

The pair set-up a grandstand finish as they entered the last lap. Foster-Jones coolly took the win, with Taylor opting not to make a rash challenge for the lead.

“I bet you weren’t expecting that!” Mackenzie said afterwards. “That was a good result with what little time I’ve had (in KF2). I can only get faster from here. 2nd place is an excellent start to my KF2 career and is a great incentive for me to keep pushing.”

Team boss, Ricky Flynn was also delighted, saying - “That was more than okay. They both did very well. Everyone worked very hard all weekend and you get out what you put in. Let’s just hope we can do it again this Sunday.”

Mackenzie and the team return to Parma for this weekend’s (18/19 October) concluding part of the annual event. With three points separating them, the return encounter is sure to be even more thrilling.

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