Successful Testing for the Mackenzie's in Spain
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07/03/2017
After a solid three months of physical training both lads have now also completed their Spanish testing for the 2017 season.
Tarran rode at the Calafat Circuit near Barcelona for three days before traveling to Circuit Cartagena with the McCAMS Yamaha team for more laps on his Yamaha R6.
After a quick shakedown test at Mallory Park, the Bennetts Suzuki Team took Taylor first to Circuit Cartagena on the brand new Suzuki GSX-R 1000, then on to Almeria to complete a full week of track time.
Tarran
I honestly took about five minutes to get comfortable on my new bike. I now know why it was so tough to beat the Yamahas on occasions last year. The R6 has more nimble handling which makes it physically easier to ride, plus it has more top end power making it faster in a straight line. I’m also loving my new team as they really understand what I need set up wise, to be consistently fast. I’ve had the best winter prep of my career to date as I trained in Australia in January before heading to Spain on my return. I’m ready to race now so can’t wait for the first round at Donington Park in April.
Taylor
There has been lots of hype surrounding the new GSX-R 1000 Suzuki Superbike so I was relieved to find most of it was absolutely true at the first test. It feels small, has very quick handling and most importantly, is fast! This is my first experience of a properly prepared Superbike and I’m loving every lap. I’m lucky to have the continuity of the same Hawk Racing technical staff as 2016 so they are working hard to give me the perfect bike. The Spanish testing was important for me to get some good base settings as I will receive a higher performance spec machine for the first round of the BSB championship in April. I’m building confidence each time I ride so I’m already in good shape for my step up to the ultra competitive British Superbike class.
Their next outing is at the official BSB launch and test day at Donington Park on 22nd March where both teams will debut their full 2017 livery.
