Billy Mackenzie on his way to a debut podium for CDR Yamaha. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.

CDR Yamaha’s Billy Mackenzie salvaged a podium finish in his first Australian appearance with the team at the Monster Energy MX Nationals season opener, despite a difficult opening race of the weekend.

After qualifying a strong second, the Scotsman was ninth in the first 30-minute moto, but managed to bounce back for second in moto two behind early series leader Todd Waters.

That result, combined with his four points for the GoPro Super Pole, saw Mackenzie elevated to third overall in a standout performance of the weekend.

“It was a real struggle in the opening race as I couldn’t get into my flow and made a lot of small mistakes,” he reflected.

“But after talking a few things over with the team and channeling some frustration from the first race, I was able to get a much better result in moto two.

“I must thank the team today for their support and encouragement and it’s a nice feeling being up on the podium again… it’s been a while.”

CDR team owner Craig Dack was pleased with Mackenzie’s podium, providing a platform for the team to build from in upcoming rounds. Teammate Lawson Bopping’s seventh overall.

“It’s a cliché but it still rings true, about you can’t win the championship in the first round, but you can lose it,” said Dack. “Both guys have some work to do, but we are off to a good start and both riders are in good spirits.

“The next few rounds come in pretty quick succession with Murray Bridge, Wonthaggi and Broadford all in the next five weeks so we have to get into stride pretty fast from here on and keep the pressure on.”

Murray Bridge will host round two of the season in South Australia on 28 April.