Laidback Mac
Published: 14th September 2007
Author: Billy MacKenzie Photo by Sutty
The season’s nearly over and Billy’s looking forward to his hols – but first there’s the not-so-little matter of the MXdN to take care of…
It’s over, at last! Last round was at the weekend and what tougher way to leave the season than two 40s round Lierop! I came to Belgium early to train in the sand and lucky I did - I was like a kid with stabilisers the whole day Wednesday. I had the suspension tech from Kayaba with me and it was just embarrassing! He even admitted to me after qualifying that he didn’t expect me to be anywhere close to the top 10!
It was a case of get on and ride it, don’t even try setting it up, just dog it out and hang on! The track was as rough as ever and everyone was pretty relaxed around the pits considering the brutality of the track! I think everyone was just happy the season was coming to an end. It’s so much mental pressure more than anything, trying to figure out things for the next week, working on your negative points etc. Some people go through each week doing the same thing over and over but for me I am always wanting to improve, there is always something more you can do to be better and I have been trying a lot of things this year in prep for 2008. So I think I've got a good idea now of what needs done to be chasing the title next year.
First and foremost though is to have a holiday after the Nations! We’ve got three weeks hard work left and it'll be the hardest work we do all year. We’ve been maintaining fitness levels and going for points all year but now it’s down to just balls-out, throttle-locked action. It’s a lot of European riders’ dream to race in America and now we get to do it - and no-one is more pumped about it than me! I grew up watching all the American videos when I was young - McGrath and Emig were my heroes. I've slipped into the European way a little since racing the world championship but that is by no means a bad thing. In my eyes the world championship has grown and the riders have with it. My hero list has grown to Everts and, hate to say it because I still race him, but Tony Cairoli!
Although I secretly like the bullsh*t in America, I still wanna go there as a British rider and stick it to them! I think we have a strong team going there - we always do - but I think the track and stuff will suit all of us. Apparently the track is similar to Japan and I know all three of us like that track - especially me! And even if it isn’t, I've got it in my head that it is so there’s already a positive mental attitude towards this race.
The British GP was a success for most and nice weather was defo a plus. I love the British GPs - the fans always make the British riders feel like celebrities! It gives us that edge over the competition because we already go to the line pumped up. Even when I was up the dodgems I had people coming up chatting away, it was cool! If I’d had some better results it woulda been a day to remember again but at least Tommy done it for you guys. Hopefully we can both do it next year, that would be a nice weekend. I hear there are two British GPs in 2008, you heard it here first!
It's been a good year for me - not the greatest but still not one to write off. My first year as a factory rider for Kawasaki, winning another GP and meeting some great new people. The team has been fantastic and a special thanks to Luka my mechanic - it has been great working with all of them and I can’t thank them enough. As a few of ya know, I'm on the move next year - but more of that to come later.
Well it’s back to business as usual but, like I said, not long to go now before holiday time – can’t wait! Hope as many of you as poss can make it to the des nations! See you there!