06.02.09Taylor on GCSEs, sky diving and GP racing

Taylor MackenziePBRA-supported Taylor Mackenzie is gearing up for his first full season in the Red Bull Rookies championship, which begins in Jerez on 2 May. Taylor has already set tongues wagging with a run of mature displays throughout the 2008 British 125GP season, which featured some strong results against more established small capacity racers.

As a result, the 15-year-old has been rewarded with a break in the Red Bull Rookies series, which acts as a stage for wannabe Rossi's. It's another step towards superstardom for a young man tipped by many to follow in the footsteps of his father - former GP star and three-time British champion Niall Mackenzie. Here he speaks to www.philburganraceacademy.com about his aspirations for the season ahead.

What have you been up to during the off-season?
During the winter, we went over to South Africa, which was a fantastic experience. I did a sky dive, which I still can't believe. It was mega! The feeling of jumping out of a plane and seeing the ground coming towards you is indescribable and pretty scary. I'd still do it again though! Once I got back from South Africa it was time to go back to school as I've got to concentrate on my GCSE exams which are this summer.

How do you juggle travelling around the world racing motorcycles and doing well at school?
The school has been very understanding. I've already got some great results in the science exams I've done so far, and I'm doing a total of 14 GCSEs, so racing doesn't get in the way of my education.

What are your plans for next season?
This is my first full year of international racing, so I just want to see what happens after the first test, then set goals for myself after that. I need to learn most of the tracks on the Red Bull Rookies calendar so my realistic goal is to keep improving throughout the season.

What track are you most looking forward racing at?
Probably the Sachsenring in Germany. It has everything - fast sweeping corners, slow corners, ups and downs. It'll be a great experience.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?
If all goes well, the GPs. Perhaps not in MotoGP, that might take a little longer than five years, but hopefully in 125GP or the new 600 class.