Townley Extends Lead

Januaary 18, 2010

Tauranga's Ben Townley still on the comeback from a shoulder injury suffered in 2007, remains on target to take the title after another scintillating display on the race track, this time at a Tokoroa track made treacherous by persistent drizzle.

The 25-year-old former world motocross champion and American supercross champion crashed heavily while leading the night’s first of three open class races.

He picked himself up to limp home in ninth place and then, with a rapid-fire format in place for the Tokoroa event, he had no time to rest as he was obliged to head straight back to the starting grid for race two.

Despite showing signs of wear from the crash, Townley took his Penny Homes Kawasaki KX450F to the lead from the start and never looked back, clocking up an impressive win.

He repeated the dose for the third and final race that followed immediately after that.

Townley’s 9-1-1 results meant the former world and United States champion extended his lead in the championship chase to 26 points over his nearest threat, Christchurch's Justin McDonald.

“I was feeling awesome on the bike. It just gets better and better every time I ride,” said Townley.

“Considering the circumstances (with the crash happening), I am happy to still finish the night on the podium. In damp and slippery conditions like this, you just have to take what you can."

Words and photo by Andy McGechan
www.bentownleymx.com