NIALL MACKENZIE ADDS PUNCH TO BMW BOXERCUP
21 June 2004 - BMW Motorrad GB

BMW Motorrad Great Britain has invited Niall Mackenzie to be a VIP guest rider and square-up to Europe’s best BoxerCup heavyweights on 25 July at Donington Park.

Ex-500cc GP ace and British Superbike Champion, Mackenzie will ride a R1100 S in BMW motorsport livery in the sixth race of the 2004 International BMW Motorrad BoxerCup series. This will take place on the same day as this year’s British round of MotoGP.

Flying Scotsman Mackenzie, who started racing in 1981 and is currently a commentator for Sky Sports and the motorcycle test editor for
Two Wheels Only magazine, is fit and raring to go. Surprisingly, the Stirlingshire-born Scot has never ridden BMW’s R1100 S flat-twin. “I can’t wait to get my hands on one and start getting familiar with it,” said Niall. “I know it’s a good bike and am looking forward to some competitive racing again. I follow the BoxerCup series closely and am definitely not going to get an easy ride. Still, with all the MotoGP fans watching, you can bet that I’ll be giving it my best shot.”

During the late Eighties, Mackenzie was one of Britain’s few world-class riders. He lists his first two podium positions – at the 1987 Austrian and British GPs – as his best moments in racing. Hailing from Doune in Perthshire, the ten-and-a-half stone Scot is married with two children and insists that his favourite hobby is his job! One of the most professional and committed riders Scotland has ever produced, Mackenzie is certain to give a good account of himself aboard the barnstorming R1100 S.

Alongside Mackenzie, the other UK guest riders will be the BoxerCup-experienced Gus Scott (look out for fiancée Radio 1 DJ Mary Anne Hobbs acting as his brolly-carrying grid girl); and young Irish racer Derek Shields. All will be riding VIP BoxerCup bikes and determined to do well in front of the patriotic home fans.

As far as the regular members of the team are concerned, Richard Cooper (21), Barry Burrell (17) and Calvin Hogan (18) won’t have time to worry about VIP guest riders. They will be too busy trying to make sure they build on the encouraging start they have had to the season so far. Already moving up on the leaders of the series, and its integrated
YoungStar competition, the three young guns will be determined to blow away any competition that gets in their way – and that includes Niall Mackenzie.

Customers can call BMW’s information line on 0800 777 155 or visit
www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk .

www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

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