Ben Townley at cruising speed in New Zealand!
Former world champion and SX champion Ben Townley (25) remains on track. After previous victories in his home country, he dominated the second round of the New Zealand Supercross Championship in Motueka last weekend. The Troy Lee Designs rider not only won the three races of the evening, he also led almost from start to finish! Ben rides a Kawasaki KX450F in New Zealand but will compete in the AMA Nationals this summer for the Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Red Bull/Honda team where he will ride the CRF450R.
Cody Cooper size too small for BT
Motueka, Josh Coppins' home base by the way, was a nice reunion for Townley. “I hadn't ridden in Motueka since I was about 14! That's why it was great to come back here and win. My starts were good and that was important because I have been working hard on my starts lately. In the first race I was second to Cody Cooper, but I was able to pass him in the second corner. Cooper also took the holeshot in the second heat, but then I was able to overtake him straight away and I immediately started attacking. The feeling on the bike was really great. I haven't felt this good in about two years!”
“At the end of the evening it started to drizzle and that made the track muddy and slippery for the third race. It was the first time I rode a muddy Supercross, but that went well too. At the moment I am very satisfied with my progress. The recovery and strengthening of my shoulder is going exactly as we planned and my speed on the bike is also going in the right direction.”
Townley in Valkenswaard
The friendly Kiwi has set up an intensive program in preparation to optimally appear at the start of the Nationals. After a brilliant season, Townley was injured at the end of 2007 and has not been able to compete at the top level since. The American outdoor season starts on May 22 in Hangtown.
After an initial taste of competition in New Zealand, the next step for Townley is a selection of races in Europe. The first three GPs -Sevlievo, Fermo and Valkenswaard- were previously confirmed. The number 101 is also neatly reserved in the MX1 World Championship. In the meantime, we have to wait for additional information. Glen Dempsey of Synergy-Sport, Townley's agent, explains: “We are currently still negotiating the team and bike with which Ben will compete in Europe. It is also possible that he will participate in one or two preparatory races in Europe before the GPs. We hope to come out with the full picture soon.”
Photos credit: Andy McGehan
Below is a funny video from two years ago with Ben Townley and Amanda Woods. Ben can already start practicing with his official team name this season. Quite a mouthful: Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Red Bull/Honda team…
Your reactions