Townley continues form with NZ outdoor opener sweep
Ben Townley has taken another emphatic victory in the opening round of the New Zealand MX Championships at Timaru over the weekend.
Ben Townley dominated in New Zealand's outdoor opener on Sunday.
Ben Townley has taken another emphatic victory for Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing in the opening round of the New Zealand MX Championships at Timaru over the weekend.
Townley won all three races in a convincing display, verifying the factory Honda team’s development path as the clock ticks down towards the MX Nationals April start date.
His victory over countryman and leading contender Josh Coppins sends a warning to rival riders that he is in championship-winning form.
“There is no better training than racing. It’s difficult to simulate the intensities of a race in practice, so this type of preparation is priceless,” said Townley.
“We started testing early near the team’s base in Carrum, Victoria. The team put in a big effort prior to Christmas and it shows. I have so much confidence in my 2012 CRF 450R, it’s a completely different bike to the 2010 Honda I raced in America.
“Honda has really done a great job balancing the bike out and I am feeling at one with it.”
The motorcycles Townley will race on for the remainder of the New Zealand championship are identical to those being built in the team’s Australian workshop.
The experience and race data gained will aid in the development of the Open class machine, which is undergoing rigorous testing on home soil with British champion Brad Anderson on board.
Townley’s next outing will be in a fortnight at Patetonga, with Team Manager Mike Landman saying good gains had been made from the opening round.
“Blue Wing Honda in New Zealand, Honda Australia and the Carlton Dry Honda team are working together in an effort to give Ben the opportunity to race competitively in New Zealand,” said Landman.
“We have built him two identical race bikes to the ones he will race with in Australia with the help of his New Zealand mechanic Blair and suspension technician Jimmy.
“We have learned more about the bike this weekend and will continue refining it.”
Coppins finished second behind Townley, while Justin McDonald rounded out the podium. Completing the top five was Cody Cooper and Michael Phillips, while Todd Waters crashed out in moto two on debut for Suzuki.
The MX2 class was won by Scott Collumb ahead of Darryll King and the returning Daryl Hurley.
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