Confirmed left ankle fracture for BSB champion Tarran Mackenzie

Tarran Mackenzie, the 2021 British Superbike Champion, has broken his left ankle while testing ahead of the 2022 season at Silverstone.

Yesterday (6 April 2022) we reported that Tarran Mackenzie was suspected to have broken his left ankle in a crash while testing in Silverstone, and today (7 April 2022) that ankle fracture has been confirmed. 

In a social media post by the McAMS Yamaha team, for whom Mackenzie rides in BSB, they say, “Following assessment at University of Coventry, Tarran Mackenzie has been diagnosed with a fracture to the left ankle.”

The statement continued to say that Mackenzie “will see a specialist in Nottingham tomorrow (Friday) for further consultation.”

It now seems in serious doubt that Mackenzie will be able to compete at the season-opening BSB race in Silverstone, due to take place on 15-17 April. 

Additionally, Mackenzie was scheduled to make his debut in the World Superbike Championship when WorldSBK goes to Assen for its Dutch round on 22-24 April, a week after the Silverstone BSB opener. His participation in Assen would also appear to be in doubt. 

After such a strong end to Mackenzie’s 2021 season, which saw him overcome teammate Jason O’Halloran in the BSB title fight after the Australian had dominated for much of the regular season before the Showdown began, it must be said that the #95’s title defence could not be about to begin in a worse way. 

As last year, Mackenzie will be thankful for the Showdown format, which - assuming his injury does not keep him out for too long, and that his pace is comparable to last season - should mean that missing the first race will be of little consequence. 

However, should Mackenzie’s injury drag on, the championship implications could be more severe.