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As the strains of “God Defend New Zealand” wafted into the clear Swedish sky, the collective gaze of the sizeable crowd was focused on one figure in the middle of the podium. Amidst all the adulation, surrounded by the cheers and congratulations of the crowd, the centre of attraction cut a curiously lonely figure. He was here as a representative of his country, of his team, of his sponsors. More than this, though, he was a representation of the immense power of determination and will-power, a boy-giant in the world of men.
As Ben Townley lifted his gaze to the beautiful cliffs overlooking the spectacular Uddevalla circuit, a thousand thoughts rushed through his head. This was one of those unforgettable moments that will linger on in memory for years to come, and the assembled supporters were fully aware of that, glad to be part of the moment. It was an intensely emotional moment. It was the moment of Ben Townley’s first Grand Prix victory.
The seventeen year old New Zealander came into the team office a week or so after the Bulgarian GP two weeks ago, concern etched across his face.
“When I was leading the race in Bulgaria, did you think I would win it?”
“To be honest, Ben, yes, I thought you would win it from there.”
“I shouldn’t have given it away, man. When I’m in that position again, I’m gonna win it.”
This was the mindset that the youngster carried with him into the race. Determination oozed out of every pore, and nothing short of total catastrophe was going to keep him from digging as deep as was necessary to bring his first GP victory home.
Ben’s qualifying session did not augur well for the weekend. He only managed the ninth fastest time during qualifying, but those in the know were pointing to the fact that the young superstar always races better than he qualifies. Unusually for him, Ben got a bad start, and was almost last down the end of the start straight. Showing experience beyond his years, he chose a sweeping line through the first corner, and in one move, catapulted himself up to a top 10 position. By the end of lap one, Drop Bear was in sixth spot, and in the next lap Italians Alessandro Puzar and Christian Stevanini had to yield to his relentless assault. Belgian teenager Kevin Strijbos provided some stiff resistance for the next two laps, but in the end Ben got around him as well, and now the race was truly on.
On lap 9, Luigi “Carramba” Seguy was on the receiving end of some Townley magic, and by now Steve Ramon had worked himself into a comfortable lead. Within two laps, it was clear that Ben was determined to fight hard for his first victory, as he edged relentlessly closer to Ramon. Ramon was feeling the pressure, and was soon changing his racing lines in a desperate attempt to shake off the Taupo terrier. The pressure took its toll, however, and Ramon was forced into an error, allowing Ben to move right up behind the Belgian. Unlike previous occasions, Ben bided his time and waited for the right moment to strike. When he struck, the move was well-planned and executed, and it left Ramon with no opportunity to respond.
As the last few laps wound down, Ben increased his lead, and all his supporters were invoking the support of deity to ensure that Ben would not be denied yet again. As the youngster punched the air in jubilation, though, all knew … the time had come for Ben Townley to step out onto that elusive top step of the podium.
The youngster’s maiden victory has strengthened his hold on sixth position in the world championship standings, and he has also edged closer to the leading five riders. Steve Ramon, Patrick Caps and Philippe Dupasquier are on the same points tally, 12 points adead of Ben, whilst Alex Puzar has an eighteen point edge on our young hero. Championship leader Michael Maschio is 21 points ahead of Ben, and with four races left to go, this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting 125cc championship battles in years.
