Ben Townley started off 2012 with a big win at Woodville in NZ over the weekend. Image: Graeme Baynes/Watchbox Images.

Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing’s Ben Townley won the 51st edition of the annual Honda International NZ Motocross Grand Prix at Woodville over the weekend in New Zealand.

The former world champion won ahead of Suzuki’s Cody Cooper and Yamaha’s Josh Coppins, scoring 1-2-1 results in the process.

Townley also won the feature race for the prestigious event, this time ahead of Coppins and Cooper – both men who he will battle with for the Australian Motocross Championship in 2012.

Former Australian regular Luke Burkhart won the MX2 class at Woodville ahead of current NZ champion Darryl King and Scotty Columb.

The official New Zealand Motocross Championship will commence on 12 February at Timaru before spanning four rounds through February and March.