Billy Mackenzie will make his return to racing this weekend at Appin's round eight. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Billy Mackenzie will make a long awaited return to the Monster Energy MX Nationals series this weekend at Appin in New South Wales.

After injuring his hand at Coonabarabran’s round two, the former British motocross champion was forced to sit on the sidelines to recover.

Mackenzie, a pre-season favourite for the 2012 MX1 title, is excited to get back in the mix and put it to the rest of the field after sitting out for such an extended period of time.

“I’m excited to be racing again. I feel a bit out of the loop at the moment so I’m looking forward to getting back in the mix,” said Mackenzie. “I’m really happy with how the KX450F’s been working the last few weeks.

“I was really pleased to have mechanic Andy Pringle join the team. He was there with me in Europe the last time I was the British champion, he was actually the head mechanic at the team I was riding for so he’s a great addition to the team.”

Mackenzie says he misses the action and hopes to put himself up front this weekend on Appin’s Bellbird circuit.

“I’m happy to get back on the bike at Appin,” he added. “Hopefully I can mix it up with the guys up the front because it’s been a while and I’ve missed it.”

Round eight of the Monster Energy MX Nationals series at Appin will take place this Sunday, July 29. Stay tuned to MotoOnline.com.au for updates on Mackenzies return to racing and the rest of the action as it unfolds.