Bathams BMW have this evening announced that Taylor Mackenzie will be re-joining the team to spearhead BMW’s official entry in the 2021 Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship.

Mackenzie finished runner up in the 2019 Superstock 1000 Championship on the BMW S1000RR with four victories and nine podiums, and now goes back into the fold the team alongside Richard Cooper.

"After last season, I wasn’t sure if I’d get a ride for this year, so to be back at Bathams Racing where I know I will be able to fight for victories is fantastic," said Mackenzie.

"I got my leg injury sorted during the winter, and I know that with the help of Dan Linfoot, the guys at Bathams Racing got the BMW S1000RR flying by the end of last season. I know it sounds obvious, but I really can’t wait to get back on the bike and start enjoying my racing again. Testing can’t come quick enough."

Cooper who has been Superstock 1000 Champion two times, continues to recover from the injuries he sustained last season and will not race until further progress has been made with his rehabilitation. He remains part of the team and will be actively supporting Taylor at race meetings, and testing.

"It would be easy to say that deciding not to start the season was a difficult decision, but the truth is, it wasn’t," said Cooper.

"My leg is recovering nicely, but I’ve been around long enough to know that it isn’t 100% right, and to race at the front at this level you’ve got to be in peak physical condition.

"The decision to skip the start of the season was also made easier by Michael Rutter and Matt Batham being so supportive and happy to let me take as much time as I need, so a big thanks to them. Even though my bike won’t be at the first few meetings, it will still be good to be trackside with the team."