Motorsport: Townley on front foot again

Ben Townley. Photo / Greg Bowker

Determination and dedication has its rewards for Kiwi motocross hero Ben Townley.

After several months sidelined by injury, the Kawasaki man from Taupo will mark his international comeback at the inaugural Monster Energy Cup at Las Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium this weekend.

The former world motocross champion has not been idle during his enforced "down time" from the top level, racing in numerous events here as he worked to rebuild strength and confidence.

"Of the 12 weekends I have been home, I have ridden the bike on 11 of them. I am 100 per cent healthy again," he said.

That attitude and commitment to recover has done him proud and, with the assistance of an old Kiwi friend in Kawasaki Motorcycle Distributors boss, Mike Wilkins, Townley was able to continue riding a Kawasaki KX450F and even had a 2012 model bike at his disposal, too.

So, when the high-profile Monster Energy Pro-Circuit Kawasaki team, headed by Mitch Payton, came calling with an offer for Townley to race in Las Vegas, he was up for the challenge.

"I was in the US to watch the final round of the nationals there and had a bit of a chat with Mitch Payton. He's been involved a lot with my career and when he learned that (South African rider) Tyla Rattray was not available to ride the MX1 class in Las Vegas, he asked me to do the job.

"I have already been riding the new 2012-model Kawasaki KX450F and even had time on one in the US before coming back to New Zealand.

"It's a good bike made great and I think I can win on this bike. It is a lot slimmer and sleeker than the previous model and that means it is nimble and can turn quickly."

The Las Vegas track event will be a blend of supercross and motocross features.

The Monster Energy Cup posts a US$250,000 ($324,744) purse, awarding the winner a US$100,000 cheque, and US$1 million will be paid to a rider who manages to win all three main events.

"The race concept is intriguing," said Townley. "It's a combination of motocross and supercross and there is also a lot of money on the line.

"But, to be honest, the money is secondary. My focus is on getting myself back on to the world stage.

"I have been working on all areas of my riding and I'm ready to go racing internationally again."