Scotsman Billy Mackenzie will switch colours for this year’s Monster Energy MX Nationals when he joins the CDR Yamaha team to replace the retiring Josh Coppins.

After a difficult couple of seasons in Australia, Mackenzie – a former international motocross Grand Prix rider – is aiming to take CDR Yamaha to five straight MX Nationals crowns. He will join forces with Lawson Bopping in the factory team run by Australian motocross legend, Craig Dack.

“The first time I sat on the team bike, it just felt right,” said Mackenzie. “The team has great staff and enormous knowledge on the bikes and the years spent developing them is obvious. CDR Yamaha is the most professional team in the pits and I’m humbled Craig selected me and this is my chance to make this year the best year of my career.”

He will have a busy season, racing between both Australia and the New Zealand MX1 Championship for the factory JCR Yamaha team.

Craig Dack can’t wait to see the combination of Mackenzie and emerging star, Bopping join forces.

“I have watched Billy a lot over the past few seasons and his speed has always been impressive,” said Dack. “I felt there were a couple of areas he needed to address and we have spoken about them and now that he is settled in Australia and comfortable racing here combined with his new attitude and CDR’s on going desire to stay out front, I’m confident Billy will be a major contender in 2013.”

Bopping – who ended season 2012 with a number of heat race wins and fastest laps, as well as round wins – aims to build on the experience he drew from being part of a professional outfit like CDR Yamaha.

“Last year was great and it was a huge learning curve for me to be on a team like CDR,” explained Bopping. “I now know what is expected and how things work within the team and also I’m totally familiar with the YZ450F so with a good preseason behind me, I expect my results to improve in 2013.”

The Monster Energy MX Nationals begins on April 14 at Raymond Terrace, just north of Newcastle in New South Wales.