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Further Details - Contributed by Ian Miles:
Post Script to Earlier News
Teenage motocross sensation Ben Townley is to ride for KTM in the USA next week, adding another big hit to his rapidly-growing CV.
The 17-year-old expat New Zealander joins Red Bull KTM, the full factory team, at the Budds Creek national event on 15-16th.
“It’s just a one-off ride, filling in for the factory who have been hit by injuries,” explained Townley from Europe where he is preparing for this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.
“It’s a bit of a tight squeeze - I have to fly out straight after Austria and be back the following week to go to Bulgaria for the next GP. “But it’s an awesome opportunity … I’ve always wanted to race in the States. “Plus I realise it’s a big honour; the KTM factory had the pick of all its riders worldwide and chose me,” said the mature youngster.
Townley was approached for the event by KTM’s international racing head Kurt Nicol, himself a recent top rider who has been assisting the young Kiwi’s progress since late last year.
One of the superpowers of international motocross, the Austrian KTM company is the largest maker of dirt bikes in the world.
In just his second season in Europe, Townley is the talk of the world 125 championship this year after grabbing two runner-up positions in five rounds. He is currently fifth in the title, riding for Big Five Vangani, a widely-respected satellite KTM team based in Belgium and South Africa.
Vangani team manager Glen Dempsey and Townley’s grand prix mechanic Craig Behl will accompany him to the US.
Budds Creek, an outdoor circuit similar to those that Townley rides in Europe, hosts a round of the US MX series which is often called the toughest national championship in the world.
Townley’s flying visit seems likely to be the forerunner of more American experience.
