    |
 |
|
|
|
A big day for New Zealand motorsport.
Sensational young motocross talent Ben Townley has been handed a contract to ride for the mighty KTM factory, the biggest maker of off-road bikes in the world and one of the superpowers of international racing.
Just 17, a year and a half into his world championship career, Townley has signed to ride KTM until the end of 2004 with options beyond.
“It’s an awesome opportunity and I’m both honoured and a little bit humble at the recognition,” said the mature young expatriate.
He is tipped as a leading contender for the 125 championship next year - he is fifth on this year’s ladder going into this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix - and has the option for 2004 of remaining in Europe or moving to the glamorous American championship.
The former New Zealand and Oceania junior champion, who left Taupo after sitting School Cert to join the European-based world racing circus, has been labelled the find of 2002 by the sharp-eyed international motorcycle media.
His success story began when he joined the fast-rising Big Five Vangani team to race a KTM 125 late last year.
Ironically it was as he returned to Europe after recuperating in New Zealand from a broken shoulder, that a deal was arranged with Vangani director Tinus Nel and KTM factory racing boss Kurt Nicoll.
KTM took a close interest as Townley adapted to the SX125 machine in the final grand prix events of 2001.
Then the Taupo-born professional grabbed the world’s attention as he stormed to runner-up position in the opening race this year, the Grand Prix of the Netherlands - a feat he repeated a fortnight ago in Italy.
Townley is now just three points off third spot, going into KTM’s home grand prix at Karntenring in the south of Austria this weekend.
The signing is seen as a shrewd move by the KTM factory.
“Ben is the number one young talent in Europe,” said the international head of racing for KTM, Kurt Nicoll.
“Of all the riders his age Ben is the one with the biggest promise.
“The way he rides, the maturity he displays and the way he conducts himself mark him out as a future champion.
“He has finished second twice in the first five grands prix this year and at KTM we are proud to have Ben riding our bike,” Mr Nicoll said.
Himself a recent top international racer who still occasionally dons his MX helmet, Mr Nicoll is in charge of worldwide racing for KTM including Europe and the high-profile USA championship.
A sharp judge of talent, it was Mr Nicoll who approached Townley this week to race the Budds Creek round of the US nationals next weekend.
“The American ride just came up as a one-off while we were finalising this contract,” Townley explained.
“I realise how mega it is to have the opportunity to ride with KTM, who have to be considered the best in world motocross.
“The openings that Kurt and KTM have given me are just awesome; now it’s up to me to make sure I deliver.”
Delivery won’t be a problem according to New Zealand’s top rider Josh Coppins, fellow expat and mentor of Townley since he arrived in Europe.
“We see a lot of riders come and go in the world championship, but it’s not often someone arrives with the talent and determination of Ben,” said Coppins, 25, who is currently second in the glamour 250 class.
“What sets Ben apart is his ability to learn fast and take on board the training, preparation and all the other support work which is vital at the top level.
“People were amazed when he leapt onto the podium at the first GP this year, but really it was always going to happen sooner rather than later.
“It’s great to see his ability recognised so soon … it took me five long years as a privateer before I got my first factory ride,” Coppins added.
Townley will continue to ride for the Big Five Vangani team, a respected satellite of KTM based in Belgium and South Africa.
Headed by Mr Nel and managed by Glen Dempsey, both smart South African businessmen with interests in Europe, the Vangani outfit adds another feather to its cap with the factory signing of Townley and teammate Tyla Rattray.
“I don’t think anybody in European motocross will be surprised that Ben’s ability has been snapped up,” said the manager of Townley and Coppins, Ian Miles who negotiated the deal.
“The factory teams are always on the lookout for fresh talent to keep their brand at the front.
“In the past few weeks while we’ve been negotiating this contract I have turned away three other top factories who wanted to talk about Ben’s future.
“KTM is definitely the team for Ben, they have the expertise to develop young talent and since we started working with Kurt Nicoll last year he has been a huge help,” Mr Miles said.
“KTM can be the difference between Ben being a star, a status he’s already fast reaching, and a true superstar of the sport.”
The announcement caps a big weekend for the bright orange KTM brand which is promoting the grand prix nar St Viet south of Salzburg. KTM is the brand on which New Zealand’s only world title was won, by Shayne King in the 500 class in 1996. By comparison Australia has yet to win a title and the major manufacturing nation of Japan has won one.
Coppins and Townley are considered New Zealand’s highest performing motorsport athletes, on two wheels or four: the only ones taking top honours in a high-profile branch of the sport at the highest level, world championship.
