Penrite Honda Racing press release:

Former World Motocross and AMA Supercross Lites Champion Ben Townley returned to podium at Round 9 of the MX Nationals in Toowoomba yesterday claiming third overall in the MX1 class.

In only his third race meeting back after a three-year hiatus from full time racing, Townley finished the two thirty minute motos second and fifth respectively. Townley led both races, with two perfectly executed holeshots before having to come back through in both races after crashing. Not happy with his third place overall, the New Zealander acknowledged he made it hard for himself in Moto 1.

“I had the lead in both motos,” Townley explained. “My Penrite Honda was fast out of the gate and my Pirelli tyres hooked up really well but crashing early in the first moto made my job harder than it needed to be. “In the second moto I got a nudge from another competitor which I didn’t anticipate and once again I had to come back through.

“I am not happy with third,” Townley continued. “My race fitness isn’t where it needs to be but I need to be patient, everything I am doing now is good preparation for Motocross of Nations in five weeks-time.

Teammate Cody Cooper recorded two respectable finishes, claiming eighth and seventh in the two MX1 motos to finish eighth overall for the round. Cooper, who is frustrated with his results, said he is aiming to end the season with a strong finish this weekend.

“The team has been amazing in accommodating everything I ask for,” Cooper said. “I am just struggling to find the front runners pace for the entire race. “My speed is quite good, but I need to find a little bit more. I am looking forward to the final round at Coolum, I really want to finish the season on a good note.”

Team Principal Yarrive Konsky said it was rewarding for the team to see their hard work pay off.

“This is the second time Ben has put the Penrite Honda CRF450R on the podium, and it’s the third of four starts that he has been out of the gates first. “I am genuinely happy he is proving how amazing the motorcycles really are. The team has been working tirelessly in an effort to get the results our partners deserve.”

The final round of the 2015 MX Nationals will be held at Coolum Pines Motorcross Track on Sunday 30 August. For further information about the Penrite Honda Racing Team visit hondampe.com.au or hondamx.com.au.

To find your nearest Penrite Oil stockist , please click on the following link http://www.penriteoil.com.au/au_locator.php. For further information on the MX Nationals visit www.mxnationals.com.au.