Image: Jeff Crow.

Former MX2 World Motocross and Eastern Regional 250SX AMA Supercross Champion Ben Townley will return to Australia to compete in round five of the MX Nationals at Coolum, with backing from Honda Genuine Parts and Accessories.

Townley, who retired from racing fulltime in 2013, last competed at the Queensland national during the final round of last year, winning a moto and claiming third overall for the day.

“I have raced at Coolum before and I like the circuit,” Townley said. “The sandy soil is something I like racing on and I am really looking forward to getting out there in two weeks time.

“I have been doing some riding, testing and local racing here in New Zealand but it will be good to see where I am at against the Australian competition.”

The Penrite Honda Racing team will build a race bike for Townley to compete on and are looking forward to his return. Team principal Yarrive Konsky said he is a valuable asset to his squad and Australian motocross.

“Ben always brings a wealth of knowledge to our team and continually offers his support,” Konsky said. “Having him compete will only provide further data. He is a fan favourite and it will be great to see him on a Honda Genuine Parts and Accessories-backed Penrite Honda.”

Townley has kept busy travelling the globe, working with HRC in Japan and Europe recently, as well as competing in some local races in New Zealand.

Honda Australia’s motorsport manager Glyn Griffiths said Ben’s wealth of knowledge and presence will be extremely beneficial to the team.

“This is a great opportunity to promote our race winning CRF450R and Genuine Parts and Accessories through a world motocross and supercross champion,” he said.

Round five of the MX Nationals will be held at Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, next Sunday, 31 May.