Billy Mackenzie raced to two podiums for Kawasaki upon debut in Super X last year.

Monster Energy Kawasaki team manager Troy Carroll has revealed that the team will enter round one of the 2011 Monster Energy Super X series with Billy Mackenzie as its lone Pro Open rider.

The Scotsman will spearhead Kawasaki’s campaign aboard the 2012 model KX450F, joined by rising Australian star Dean Ferris in the Pro Lites for the season.

Last season saw the team clinch the Pro Open championship with American Josh Hansen, however he won’t be returning for the full season this year. No other U.S. riders have been signed by the team ahead of round one.

“At this point we don’t have a second 450 rider and won’t have one at the opening round,” Carroll told MotoOnline.com.au. “We will be going to round one with Billy and Dean, really trying to focus on those guys to get good results.

“Testing has been going to plan and both riders are ready, so we’ll just have to wait and see where we’re at on Saturday. I really believe that both will be championship contenders.”

Mackenzie made his debut at the penultimate round of Super X last year after recovering from a broken collarbone, stunning onlookers with a pair of second place finishes overall at Parramatta and Brisbane.

Monster Energy Super X’s season opener will take place at Melbourne Knights Stadium in Victoria this Saturday, 22 October.