Image: Simon Makker.

Former MX2 World Champion Ben Townley is expected to make a shock return to racing at the 2014 Mobil 1 Manjimup 15,000 in Western Australia on 31 May-1 June.

The retired New Zealander has been confirmed by event organisers in an announcement made this afternoon, alongside American guests Brett Cue and AJ Catanzaro in the international line up.

Townley’s last complete outdoor appearance in Australia came at the Conondale MX Nationals season opener in 2012, which he dominated before being injured during practice at round two. He retired at the beginning of 2013.

To be held one week following the Wanneroo round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals, the event has also attracted a selection of the nation’s top talent including Kirk Gibbs, Ford Dale, Kade Mosig, Jay Marmont, Jake Moss and Luke Arbon.

“I’m really excited about racing the Manjimup 15,000 it’s such a great event,” Mosig commented. “I love the track, it’s very unique plus the format is very different to what we normally race so it’s quite challenging. The crowd is always huge which makes for a really awesome atmosphere.”

Locals will also feature at the prestigious event, headed by WA state champion Louis Calvin alongside Kyle Webster, Dean Porter, Josh Adams, Jayden Rykers and more.

The Manjimup 15,000 features a unique format of four five-lap motos, plus an elimination shootout which consists of five single-lap dashes, leaving only three riders in the final to fight for the $2000 prize money.

A ‘Legends’ ride will also take centre stage during the weekend, featuring the likes of Anthony Gunter and Jimmy Ellis.