Scars Racing BMY set their sights on British Championship

Scars Racing BMW have announced an exciting and highly competitive rider line-up for their debut campaign on the BMW M 1000 RR in the ZYN British Superbike Championship, confirming former British Superbike Champion Tarran Mackenzie and multiple championship winner Rory Skinner as their riders for 2027.

With a growing reputation for success across road racing and short-circuit competition, the Northern Ireland-based team are preparing to take on one of the toughest challenges in motorcycle racing, backed by official BMW Motorrad Motorsport support.

Since establishing Scars Racing, team owners Dale McElveen and Leigh Finlay have enjoyed an impressive run of success, with victories and championship honours across the Isle of Man TT, North West 200 and British Supersport Championship. Their ambitions remain unchanged as they step onto the British Superbike grid: to compete at the front and fight for race wins.

The signing of Mackenzie and Skinner represents a major statement of intent, bringing together two proven race winners with considerable experience, championship success and the determination to deliver results.

Interestingly, the 2027 campaign will see a full Scottish rider line-up representing a Northern Irish team, creating an exciting combination of talent, experience and ambition.

TARRAN MACKENZIE – EXPERIENCE, SPEED AND CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING PEDIGREE

Former British Superbike and British Supersport Champion Tarran Mackenzie returns to the British Superbike paddock following his recent campaigns in the FIM World Superbike Championship.

Mackenzie has demonstrated his international ability with race-winning performances in World Supersport, before progressing into the World Superbike class. His 2026 campaign showed considerable promise, including an impressive fourth-place finish at Phillip Island.

Unfortunately, a crash at Donington Park brought his season to an early end just as he and his team were making significant progress.

Now fully focused on his return to British Superbike competition, Mackenzie is relishing the opportunity to join Scars Racing BMW and take on the 2027 challenge.

Tarran Mackenzie said: “I’ve been given a great opportunity with Dale and Leigh to return to BSB with the Scars Racing BMW team. To get the official support from the factory is a big plus point and with the new rules we should have a really good season.

“I’ve been working hard since my injury and I’m ready to go racing now. We have a good testing schedule planned with the team and I’m looking forward to getting out on the BMW and seeing where we’re at.

“2026 was my best year in WSBK but I only managed seven rounds of the series. It was such a shame to have the season cut so short as we were making great progress.

“I’m really excited to come back to BSB for 2027. It’s a Championship I grew up in and had a lot of success there in the past. I can’t wait to ride the BMW and get started with the Scars Racing team. Very exciting times ahead.”

RORY SKINNER – HOME-GROWN TALENT WITH A PROVEN WINNING RECORD

Joining Mackenzie in the Scars Racing BMW line-up is fellow Scot Rory Skinner, a rider with an impressive British Superbike record and valuable previous experience aboard the BMW M 1000 RR.

A former British Supersport and British Talent Cup Champion, Skinner made his British Superbike debut in 2021 and has since established himself as a regular front-running competitor.

His impressive BSB record includes 20 podium finishes and three race victories, including his maiden British Superbike win aboard a BMW at his home circuit of Knockhill in 2024.

Skinner has also gained international experience through campaigns in the Moto2 class with the American Racing team, further strengthening his racing credentials.

Having overcome a number of challenging injuries throughout his career, Skinner has consistently demonstrated resilience, determination and a desire to fight back stronger. He finished seventh overall in the 2026 ZYN British Superbike Championship standings and now sees the Scars Racing BMW opportunity as an ideal platform to take the next step in his career.

Rory Skinner said: “I’m really excited to be part of the Scars Racing BMW team for 2027, the opportunity Dale and Leigh have put together for myself and Tarran is great.

“To have Tarran as my team-mate, a former British Superbike Champion, he will bring some really good knowledge into the team which will give me a fantastic chance to learn and push myself harder.

“To have a full Scottish line-up in a Northern Irish team, it’s looking like its set to be a force to be reckoned with.

“I can’t wait to start testing the BMW M 1000 RR and see how things go but roll on 2027!”

BMW MOTORRAD MOTORSPORT – OFFICIAL FACTORY SUPPORT

Scars Racing BMW will benefit from official BMW Motorrad Motorsport support as they prepare to take on the 2027 British Superbike Championship aboard the BMW M 1000 RR.

The partnership represents an important step for the team, providing a strong technical platform as they establish themselves in the championship and build towards their competitive ambitions.

Uwe Geyer – Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport Customer Racing, said: “It’s exciting news that Scars Racing will line up with Tarran Mackenzie and Rory Skinner in the 2027 British Superbike Championship. They are among the best riders in Great Britain and are familiar with BSB and all its particularities.

“Rory raced with the BMW M 1000 RR in the past and therefore knows the bike already. Tarran returns to BSB after several years in WorldSBK. With their talent, speed and experience, they form one of the strongest rider pairings in BSB.

“We are convinced that Scars Racing can look forward to a strong BSB campaign with this great duo on the BMW M 1000 RR.”

A CLEAR AMBITION – RACE TO WIN

For team owners Dale McElveen and Leigh Finlay, securing the services of two riders of Mackenzie and Skinner’s calibre is a significant milestone in the development of Scars Racing BMW.

The team have ambitious plans for their first British Superbike season and believe the combination of rider experience, BMW factory support and a carefully structured testing programme provides an excellent foundation for 2027.

Dale McElveen – Team Owner: “We are very fortunate to have been able to select two amazing riders to join the Scars Racing team for 2027. Their knowledge and experience are second to none and like with everything we have done so far, we are there to win, not make up numbers.

“Taz and Rory are proven winners and both have what it takes to push each other and also get the best out of the BMW. We will start testing soon and have a good testing programme arranged for the new year where we will really be able to get a good understanding of the bikes and also what the riders need.”

Leigh Finlay – Team Owner: “Dale and I had several conversations on which riders to have in the team. We wanted to be able to start strong from the off. With Taz and Rory on board, that’s exactly what we have.

“Taz has extensive knowledge of the Championship and Rory has previous experience of the BMW, which is a great combination to start with.

“We are very much looking forward to making our British Superbike debut with the Scars Racing BMW team.”

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2027

With two established race winners, official BMW Motorrad Motorsport backing and an experienced management team driving the project, Scars Racing BMW are approaching their first British Superbike campaign with confidence and determination.

Testing preparations are already being put in place, with the team looking forward to getting the BMW M 1000 RR on track and beginning the work required to challenge at the highest level.

The message from Scars Racing BMW is clear: they are not entering British Superbike simply to participate. They are entering to compete, to challenge and to win.