Whilst millions of fans were watching Lewis Hamilton seal the Formula 1 World Championship in Brazil, Mackenzie Taylor was also delivering a heart-in-mouth drive to snatch 2nd place at La Conca. The inaugural Silver Cup is a new two-part meeting, split between two circuits in southern Italy – the first at Muro Leccese in Puglia and the second at Sarno in the suburbs of Naples. This was Mackenzie’s third race in the senior KF2 category.
His preparations for the event were hit when he contracted food poisoning, causing the Ricky Flynn Motorsport driver to lose 4 kilos in just two days. On the Friday (31 October) he managed just 6 laps before having to return to the pits.
Keen to race but still very unwell, Mackenzie got out of his bed at 3pm on Saturday (1 November) went to the circuit and promptly posted the 5th fastest lap - before quickly returning to his hotel room to conserve his energy.
He still felt too ill to compete in the first heat - but the following day was able to put in a gritty performance to finish in 11th place in the 2nd race.
Starting from 14th on the grid for the pre-final, Mackenzie showed incredible spirit to finish in 3rd place. As his father Roddy commented, “He’s still sick but fast!”
In the main final he went one place better, to finish 2nd as the chequered flag waved. However, by virtue of taking two podium finishes, Mackenzie’s dogged consistency has put him top of the points tally.
Mackenzie’s performance drew praise from his team boss, Ricky Flynn who said, “He wasn’t well and probably still isn’t, but it’s that thing – how badly do you want it? He did a very good job in the circumstances and did well to come through (to take 2nd).”
Considering that this was Taylor’s 3rd race in the KF2 class, Flynn added, “I’m delighted how it’s gone so far. He must be too. Mackenzie’s been competing against some very good people and getting results, so everything’s looking good for next year.”
The concluding event will take place next weekend and Mackenzie is adamant that he will be fully fit and able to become the first ever winner of the Silver Cup.
Visit Mackenzie’s website - www.mackenzietaylor.co.uk - to follow his fortunes throughout the rest of the 2008 season. |
