    |
 |
|
|
|
Kiwi-cross kid Ben Townley has finished a fine 18th place in just his third world championship event, this morning’s Australian 125 grand prix at Broadford.
With points awarded to 15th, the Taupo-born 16-year-old is already very close to featuring in the world standings just months after finishing his School Cert year in New Zealand.
Australia is virtually Townley’s home grand prix and he was determined to put up a good showing. On the day he has managed to beat all of the Australian riders who were tipped to give the championship regulars a scare on their home soil north of Melbourne.
“I faded a bit towards the end it’s very hot here,” said an elated Townley after the gruelling 45-minute race.
“But it was most important to finish and in the final laps some of the others starting dropping off.”
Riding for the German-based Phase Suzuki team the talented youngster has surprised European experts by qualifying for all three of his first grand prix events.
Today\'s 125 GP was won by Briton James Dobb on a KTM.
Townley’s mentor, Kiwi expat Josh Coppins, competes in the next GP event, the premier 250 race.
Their next round is in Belgium in a fortnight. The championship continues over 15 rounds to September.
