Tarran Mackenzie will race a KTM RC125 for Redline Motorcycles in the British 125GP championship in 2012.

The deal with Loughborough-based Redline Motorcycles puts Tarran on a new KTM RC125 – an identical machine to that used in the talent-nurturing Red Bull Rookies championship.

Despite only just turning 16, Tarran already has two seasons experience in the class and finished 13th overall in 2011, with a best result of fourth. His father, Niall - a former GP rider and three-time British Superbike champion, will once again mentor 'Taz'.

Tarran rode the KTM purpose-built race bike fresh from its crate for the first time at Mallory Park on November 26 and was instantly impressed.

Tarran said: “I'm really excited about this. The bike had never turned a wheel when we tested and it still exceeded my expectations – it's very fast. I'm just gutted we've got such a long wait until the start of the season!”

Redline Motorcycles are orange to the core, having been a KTM dealer for 21 years and have raced with the brand throughout this time in various classes, most recently contending the Super Duke Battle, RC8 Super Cup and the British Superbike championship in 2010 with the RC8 R.

The KTM RC125 will be prepared by Ryan Saxelby of Sheffield-based RS Racing and the British 125GP championship campaign will spearhead the dealer's racing efforts in 2012, which will also include other disciplines of road racing and off-road competition.

Tim Walker, owner of Redline Motorcycles, said: “KTM and racing are two massive parts of my life. I've been speaking with the Mackenzies for years about working together and the timing is finally right. As soon as Tarran rode the bike he wanted to be part of this project. He's ready to progress, we've got the right machinery for him to do that and Redline KTM are out there to be contenders.”

The 12-round championship begins at Brands Hatch on April 9, but Tarran will test again in both the UK and Spain in the new year.


KTM RC 125 Information

The KTM RC 125 was designed and developed by Harald Bartol to provide a genuine Grand Prix 125 and is a twin brother to the Grand Prix-winning KTM 125 raced in the past by Casey Stoner, Mika Kalio and Marc Marquez.

KTM RC 125 Technical Details

ENGINE
Bore x Stroke: 54 x 54.5 mm
Capacity: 125cc
Max. Power Output: 45hp @ 13,000rpm
Fuel System: Keihin 38 mm carburettor
Fuel Capacity: 13 litres
Transmission: 6-speed

CHASSIS
Chassis: Aluminium twin spar frame
Dimensions: 430 mm wide x 730 mm tall
Wheelbase: 1215mm
Suspension; Front: WP USD forks 'GP standard'
Suspension; Rear: WP shock 'GP standard'
Wheels: Marchesini 2.5 x17in front, 3.5 x 17in rear
Brakes; Front: 290mm Brembo steel disc, Brembo 4-piston calliper
Brakes; Rear: 195mm Brembo steel disc, Brembo 2-piston calliper
Weight: 136kg (with rider)

previous