Thursday September 17, 2009 at 12:23pm
Further to the Press Release issued earlier in the week, the ACU Motocross Committee in conjunction with the 2009 replacement Team Manager, Steve Dixon are pleased to announce that the rider to replace the injured Brad Anderson in the MX1 Class for the forthcoming Motocross of Nations in Italy will be Billy Mackenzie.
The ACU was unable to confirm this change until Dixon had a chance to ensure the rider, machines and mechanics were available, and this has now been completed. Mackenzie will join Tommy Searle (MX2) and Carl Nunn (Open) in the three man squad.
Announcing his choice of rider, Dixon commented: "I am very proud to be British Motocross of Nations Team Manager for the 2009 event. I have not got involved in why the place is available as I have less than three weeks until the event. My choice is Billy Mackenzie to replace Brad Anderson who is injured because I believe that Billy has the raw speed to do well in this one off event. We have many other fantastic and worthy riders who could have been chosen so it was a tough decision, but I have to go with my gut feeling even with Billy's recent results. I am pleased the MX Committee endorsed my decision. I have watched and know all of the riders and I have now spoken with Tommy and Carl and they are also confident that I have chosen someone who is capable of pulling off a top result."
The event at Franciacorta on the weekend of the 4th October has attracted 37 teams from around the world. Realistically, the ACU Team riding for Britain has its sights on a podium result and everyone is working hard to ensure this goal.
Mackenzie is delighted at his call up, he said: "From a personal point of view, I feel more motivated for this race than ever before. I have always represented my country with great pride and passion and I feel there is no better man for the job. I have been an MX1 rider since 2007 so I know the competition - I know their weaknesses and strengths and I have gained respect within the MX1 field and won't be pushed around."
It is unlikely the ACU will issue any further Press Statements until after the event as the focus is now on obtaining a good result.