Interview: BT back at the Kesterheide!
Ben Townley has a thing for the Low Countries. Now that the New Zealander is back in the World Cup, he is also returning to circuits that at one point played a role in his first career. Next week it will be a happy reunion for the CLS-Monster Energy-Kawasaki rider and the beautiful, natural circuit in Kester. Townley was last active in the Pajottenland in 2005, but some fans may be big bike still remember debut. In 2002, the 17-year-old (!) BT took his chance among the big boys at the Belgian Championship on a KTM 540 borrowed from Joël Smets. The boisterous kiwi had a great time that day, understandably falling off once, but Ben also commanded a lot of respect. In the second series with a brilliant third place after Smets and Ramon, but ahead of McFarlane, Bervoets and Everts. In the third series he finished fourth after Smets, Everts and Ramon. Great guy, that Townley! Just like 9 years ago, BT starts in Kester as an underdog.
You chose to skip the American and Brazilian GPs, but the Wuustwezel International Motocross, where you finished third after Ramon and De Dycker, was a step forward.
Townley: “Indeed, the first series was good and the second series was very good. I'm starting to feel more and more like my old self again, at least in terms of speed. I fell short in terms of fitness for the third series, I had to let Ken and Steve go and then I made another mistake. In any case, my first race on Belgian soil was not too bad. At the moment I am making a lot of progress in every match, which is motivating.”
Were you surprised by the level in Valkenswaard, I can imagine that you were very disappointed after those 19de place in the first series.
Townley: "Of course. When I returned for the GP at Glen Helen last year I had completed one race. I had three weeks to prepare for the US GP and I won the second moto! I have to admit that I underestimated it this year. I don't have to be ashamed of that. On the other hand, I am more realistic. I learned from my mistakes and didn't take any risks. Even though I didn't prepare anything in the Dutch GP, it was a very useful race for myself. I knew immediately where I stood.”
What do you think of the level in MX1 at the moment?
Townley: “It's very difficult for me to say anything about that. MX2 is something else, the level there is incredible. I have never seen the level higher in the MX2 World Championship, whether it was 125cc or later MX2. Jeffrey Herlings in the sand is… unimaginable. That's like James Stewart in his younger days on an SX track.”
You find it difficult to estimate the MX1 because you were so far away from your best form?
Townley: "Precisely. I didn't actually race with the guys. The only time we were in the same match was when they doubled me! I'm ashamed to say it, but that's how it is.”
How bad do you feel about missing Glen Helen and Indaiatuba?
Townley: “That doesn't really bother me. I have resigned myself to the fact that I still have a long way to go and I now keep the big picture in mind. By that I mean; Finish this season strong so that I do have the opportunity to ride for the world title next year. The winter I had with my two injuries was very difficult, both mentally and physically. Actually, just what you don't want in preparation for a good season.”
Have you now completely adapted to the Kawasaki KX450?
Townley: “(laughing) I think I have green blood running through my veins now! The good feeling I had with Kawasaki and the people around me - such as Harry Nolte, Kees Van der Ven and Mitch Payton in America - was one of the reasons why I chose CLS-Kawasaki. I really like that the Kawa is so stable and it is also very characteristic, by which I mean I always know how my bike will react. Other journalists have already asked me that same question and I answer that I want an engine where I am 100% sure what it is going to do at all times. That's what I have with the Kawasaki!”
Last year you also shone during the MXoN in America, when can we expect the same Ben Townley again?
Townley: “Phew, you're asking me something. That is a very difficult question, last year it all came very easy to me. I suspect that if I really wanted it, I would already have the speed within me. But like I said before I want to be a smarter Ben Townley. I want to build up for 2012 step by step, and rushing is not the right way. That is why it is difficult to pinpoint a precise GP where I want to score. But I do know that I want to be much better in Saint-Jean d'Angely than in Valkenswaard. There is no reason why that wouldn't work, I'm talking about a place between the 5 and the 10 first. That would be a good basis to build on. If everything goes well, I might be able to ride to win in July. The biggest problem is my strength. For 6 weeks I couldn't do anything at all. And just before that I had my hip injury, those two injuries set me back enormously. Let's see how things go in Flanders' most beautiful next week.”
Thanks for the chat, Ben.
Townley: "Don't mention it."
Photos credit: CDS, Sarah Guttierez
Your reactions