BSB Silverstone: Tarran Mackenzie to miss opening round following ankle surgery

Reigning Bennetts British Superbike champion Tarran Mackenzie will miss this weekend’s season opener at Silverstone after undergoing successful ankle surgery.

Mackenzie fractured his left ankle in a huge crash coming out of the final corner (Woodcote) at the Silverstone Test last week. Both he and his McAMS Yamaha R1 travelled a fair distance through the grass and gravel, with Mackenzie being taken to hospital for further checks.

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Mackenzie underwent surgery yesterday (Monday April 11) to plate his fractured left ankle, and will now be unable to race at round one. Instead, he will now continue his recovery at home.

“I’m obviously disappointed to be missing the opening round this weekend, especially after feeling so good on the bike at Snetterton, but it is what it is,” Mackenzie said. “The operation on my ankle went well and I’m now focusing on my recovery, working with my physio and aiming to be back as soon as we can to get our season on track. I’d like to wish the whole team the best of luck this weekend as the season gets started.”

Mackenzie’s latest injury also means that his World Superbike Championship debut has been delayed. The Yamaha man was set to make a wildcard appearance at Assen on April 22-24, onboard a full factory-spec R1.

Mackenzie was also scheduled to make two further WSB appearances in 2022, at Donington Park and another European circuit which is yet to be confirmed. Mackenzie hopes to be in the WSB paddock, preferably on a Yamaha, in 2023.

“Of course, this isn’t the start of the season we wanted for Tarran as he looks to defend the title, but this is motorcycle racing and it’s never quite that straightforward,” Team Owner Steve Rodgers added. “He will now focus on recovering so he can get his season started as soon as he is fit and able to do so.”

It’s been a tough off-season for Mackenzie, who fractured his other ankle and suffered a shoulder injury in a training accident whilst riding in Spain. Mackenzie had only returned to action at the Snetterton Test at the end of March, where he was still having problems with his shoulder.