BIKEOFF ROADFIM WORLD MOTOCROSS

Ben Townley will contest the opening three rounds of the FIM MX1 World Championship with Factory Honda Racing this season.

The recently-crowned New Zealand Supercross champion and former MX2 World Motocross and AMA Supercross Lites champion will contest the events in Bulgaria, Italy and Holland in what will be his first races on European soil since the 2006 MX of Nations.

The 25-year-old was a contender for the MX1 World Championship title in 2005 when he battled the legendary Stefan Everts and Josh Coppins, winning four GPs and the New Zealander is hoping to challenge for wins again in his part season with the factory Honda squad this year.

“I’m really looking forward to coming to Europe,” said Townley. “It is perfect fit for me right now to get back to racing and will help me prepare for the outdoor champs in USA. I’ve also been racing in NZ and getting back to speed which has been part of my plan to get myself back into racing shape.

“I raced in Sevlievo (Bulgaria) and Valkenswaard (The Netherlands) before, so I know those tracks well and have been on the podium in Sevlievo and twice in Valkenswaard.

“Fermo (Italy) will be new to everyone so I hope to continue the result there too. The Euro fans are so passionate about racing and I have good fan base there, which will be a great way to get back into international racing. I have no doubt that (Team Owner) Paolo (Martin), (Team Manager) Lorenzo (Resta) and the Honda Racing MX Team will support me in the best possible way and make it an easy transition for going back to America. They will be able to help me test my legs while in Europe.”

Townley will join young American Jimmy Albertson in the team, riding a Factory CRF450, and Team Manager Resta is excited to have such an experienced rider in the line-up.

"I'm so proud to have Ben in our Team,” he said. “I have tried hard to have Ben for all the season but, unfortunately, it was not possible. Now this is a little dream that becomes real and it will give us huge media exposure. This is a first step in the direction of 2011 when the race calendars of AMA SX and MX1 will hopefully be compatible."

Watch every round of the FIM MX1, MX2 and Women’s MX World Championships LIVE on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413, Virgin Media 545) in 2010.


Andy Wilkinson