Opinion: Brad Ray & Tarran Mackenzie – what happened?

With Mackenzie signing to race in World Supersport and Ray only signing up for a European-only campaign in WorldSBK we ask; what happened to our two British champions?

Reigning BSB champion, Bradley Ray has recently signed for the Motoxracing Yamaha team in WorldSBK and has signed for a part-time ride in WorldSBK, only taking part in the European rounds.

Scottish rider, Tarran Mackenzie was linked with multiple teams in the WorldSBK paddock, eventually signing with MIE Honda in WorldSSP. Mackenzie finished seventh in the British Superbike championship, missing three rounds due to injury.

Tarran Mackenzie announced his departure from the MCAMS Yamaha team after six seasons, winning one title. His old seat at MCAMS Yamaha has now been taken by Tim Neave. The Superstock 1000 rider will race alongside Jason O’Halloran, who will continue with the MCAMS team.

In 2022 at Donington Park, Tarran Mackenzie Debuted in the WorldSBK championship with the MCAMS Yamaha team. He had a great weekend and scored championship points on his debut weekend in the championship.

What is next for Mackenzie?

Tarran Mackenzie was originally linked with the MIE Honda team, in the World Superbike championship. These seats at MIE Honda were taken by MotoE rider, Eric Granado and ex-MotoGP rider, Hafizh Syahrin.

However, instead of taking the WorldSBK seat in 2023 Mackenzie will ride for the MIE Honda team in World Supersport. The Scotsman will have Adam Norrodin as his teammate who spent his year racing in the Asian Superbike championship.

The team will be a merge of MIE Honda and MS Racing, they will be using the new Honda CBR600RR. The use of the Honda will lead the team into unknown territory, with the manufacturer last racing in the class in 2020. 

Was this the right decision for Mackenzie?

This move marks a huge point in Tarren Mackenzie’s racing career, it allows him to get his face in the World Superbike paddock. But the move with MIE Honda could make it a difficult year, with the team already struggling in the Superbike class.

Mackenzie will have to adapt to the Supersport machine, he will have to carry more corner speed, which is a different way of riding compared to BSB. This adaptation will take time, as Mackenzie spent the last four years of his career racing a Superbike.

This move will also break an incredible relationship that Mackenzie had with the Yamaha brand. This relationship lasted six years, and Mackenzie now looks towards fellow Japanese manufacturer Honda.

If this move was to work out it could potentially open up a ride in WorldSBK in 2024 with the MIE Honda team. This would still be extremely difficult for Tarran as the bike is not competitive enough yet, with Hafizh Syahrin down in 23^rd in the 2022 standings.

If this ride does not work out Mackenzie could see himself returning to the British Superbike paddock. If this was to happen it would prove that the move to World Supersport was a waste of time, while he is in his prime.

Ray steps up to WorldSBK

Bradley Ray had a groundbreaking 2022 season, taking nine race wins and 23 podiums. These results were enough for Ray to become the 2022 Bennetts British Superbike for OMG Racing Yamaha.

He would later announce that he signed for Motoxracing, which will mean that Ray will only race part-time in WorldSBK. This is due to the team only competing in the European leg of the championship.

Ray’s plan for 2023 seems to be very similar to Tarran Mackenzie with the aim to make a name for himself this year. The British rider would hope for good results this season, with the hope of getting a full-time ride in 2024.

Without having the added track time, Ray will be at a huge disadvantage throughout the season. Starting two rounds after the rest of the grid he and his team will have to work extremely hard to catch up. This year will also be Ray’s chance to prove himself to be a World championship-level rider.

In preseason testing at Portimao Ray would end his second day in the WorldSBK class in 18^th. He would spend his first preseason test getting comfortable on the bike and used to the electronics of the Yamaha.

Both riders want to have a full-time ride in WorldSBK, but they have some work to do first. Ray and Mackenzie will have to give it their all in 2023, in hope of a competitive WorldSBK team offering them a ride. If they do not have a great year they could find themselves returning to British Championship.

Feature image: britishsuperbike.com