Cooper then joined Townley at Honda late last year and, no longer rivals on the race track, they make a daunting combination as manager and rider.
Cooper last won the main trophy at Woodville in 2007, also on a Honda.
"Woodville is one of the best events on the New Zealand race calendar," said Townley.
"It is a big trophy to have on the mantelpiece. It is also good preparation for the upcoming motocross nationals."
However, impressive as the Townley and Cooper combination might be, they will still have a job on their hands to fend off some mighty opposition at Woodville.
The Altherm JCR Yamaha Racing Team, CMR Red Bull KTM Team, Bel Ray Pro Rider Suzuki Team and Kawasaki New Zealand line-ups are imposing on any day of the week, but when they bring in a selection of international stars to bolster their ranks for the Woodville GP, spectators know they are in for some fireworks.
Scottish former world championship contender Billy MacKenzie again drops in to race for Yamaha, with Japanese rider Yu Hirata also joining the Yamaha squad for Woodville, while KTM has the services of leading Australian riders Kirk Gibbs and Ford Dale for the feature meeting.
Husqvarna poses an exciting new threat in the form of Mangakino international Kayne Lamont and British visitor Rob Holyoake, from Gloucestershire, while Australian hero Brock Winston may also appear on a Husqvarna at Woodville.
The Broxy Race Team will have New Caledonian pair Laurent Sath and Hugo Max while Australian youngster Anaru West will arrive to race a Suzuki RM125 at the weekend.
Meanwhile, Townley revealed he would again don helmet and boots to tackle the unique River Race at Woodville, where bikes splashing through the churning water are a real crowd favourite.
He will ride a Honda CRF450X enduro bike to challenge Yamaha's two-time former American cross-country champion Paul Whibley, of Pahiatua, for honours.
