Niall Mackenzie - Niall Mackenzie

The 39-year-old Scot has been Britain's most successful Grand Prix racer since Barry Sheene. At his final race in Knockhill in August 2001, more than 20,000 fans turned up to bid farewell to their local hero.The 39-year-old Scot has been Britain's most successful Grand Prix racer since Barry Sheene. At his final race in Knockhill in August 2001, more than 20,000 fans turned up to bid farewell to their local hero. Niall has come a long way from Denny where he would regularly get into trouble for racing round the streets, as well as in and out of the local chip shops, to impress the girls.As an amateur it was recognized he had an abundance of talent, especially after winning his first race at Knockhill, but he also had a wild side and looks back on a time when chasing girls and getting drunk were as important as winning races.After moving up through the amateur ranks and securing his first factory 500 rides on a Suzuki, Niall notched up a host of 500 GP podium finishes before moving to Superbikes. He proved unbeatable between 1996 and 1998 when he claimed a hat-trick of British Superbike titles. On each occasion he beat big-name team-mates Jamie Whitham, Chris Walker and Steve Hislop.While he may have finished racing, his involvement in the sport will continue as he will be testing for the new World Superbike team managed by Carl Fogarty.This is a fascinating look into the British GP and Superbike scene through the eyes of one of its legends.