Mackenzie ‘excited’ by World Supersport ride on HRC-backed CBR

Tarran Mackenzie will campaign an HRC-backed CBR600 in next year’s World Supersport series after signing to ride for Midori Morwaki’s MIE team.

The former British Superbike Champion had hoped to be on a Yamaha in WorldSBK for 2023 but has opted for a 600 ride in an ‘exciting project’ which has the backing of Honda’s upper management after being let down by the Iwata factory’s European racing arm.

“I hadn’t pictured doing Supersport because I have been on a Superbike for so long and the natural progression from Britiosh Superbikes is to World Superbikes. I have tried going down that route but for one reason or another it has not quite worked out,” Mackenzie told bikesportnews.com.

“When we spoke with Midori initially it was about Superbike but the 600 option was always there if I wanted it. If I am honest, at the start, I didn’t really consider it but as time went on, she said she really wanted ne to think about it.

“There was no pressure on me, hut when Hafizh said he wanted to say, she said the 600 option is still here, it’s going to be a proper project with Honda and HRC.

“I had some time and the more I thought about it, the more excited I got. For sure, I would like to be in Superbike but is a great way to get into the paddock and learn the tracks.

After the year I have had, which was great was I was winning, but the enjoyment factor was a little less when I was in hospital, so I think the 600 will be a nice way to get into that paddock and enjoy riding again.”

Mackenzie will be on a CBR600RR but not as we know it. It is an upgraded version similar to one which Davey Todd has been riding for Clive Padgett on the roads and is a bit special. And also well within the rules, according to WorldSBK technical director Scott