Billy Mackenzie has taken away valuable knowledge from Josh Coppins during his New Zealand stay. Image: Jeff Crow/Sport the Library.

CDR Yamaha’s newest recruit Billy Mackenzie has drawn valuable knowledge from current Australian MX1 champion and former CDR Yamaha rider Josh Coppins ahead of the upcoming Monster Energy MX Nationals.

The Scottish rider took the opportunity to contest the 2013 New Zealand Motocross Championships under the guidance of Coppins at his JCR Yamaha team, wrapping up a second overall in the championship.

Mackenzie feels that his New Zealand experience with Coppins allowed him to make strong gains in his program throughout the four round series.

“It was a great opportunity to get some race time under my belt on the YZ450F and draw from the knowledge and experience of Josh Coppins,” said Mackenzie.

“I managed to finish on the podium at every round, took a race win and felt I made some good gains in my racing over the length of the championship.”

Coppins, new to his role in JCR Yamaha team management role after his retirement from racing, was pleased to have Mackenzie represent Yamaha and his team for the series and believes he will be strong in 2013 with Yamaha.

“Billy has been a pleasure to work with and really listened to any advice we have offered,” Coppins said. “His time racing in New Zealand will have him ready to go for the MX Nationals and I’m confident that he will impress in 2013 with CDR Yamaha.”

Mackenzie will make his Australian debut for the CDR Yamaha team at Raymond Terrace’s round one of the Monster Energy MX Nationals on 14 April.