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This report is from Ben Townley`s manager, Glen Dempsey.
Visit Ben @ his website: BentownleyMX.com:
It features his latest news, pictures, profile etc. and while you're there, leave a message for the young Kiwi in his `Guestbook'.
New Zealand’s motocross star, Ben Townley has wrapped up the 2004 MX2 World championship title after he raced to a double victory at the muddy and rain drenched circuit of Ballykelly in Northern Ireland.
Townley and his factory KTM 250F jumped well out of the starting gates and were just nudged out of the first corner by Italian youngster, Antonio Cairoli. Townley lost no time in stamping his authority on the race when he moved into the lead a few moments later. The Kiwi looked set for the race however his KTM Champ team-mate, Marc de Reuver took some risks over a double jump which Townley was not taking, to pass the Kiwi for the lead. Townley knew there was something greater at stake so he kept his cool and slotted in behind his team-mate. Two laps from the end, de Reuver would experience technical problems and BT was handed the lead. He took the chequered flag and was showered with champagne and embraced by his team, family and supporters with his first world title!
“It’s an amazing feeling to be world champ,” exclaimed Townley “On the last lap I was thinking about all the hard work that has gone into winning the championship. It’s been four hard years but it’s all paid off. My family is here to celebrate with me and I’ve already had calls from New Zealand friends and family as well. There is still another race to go so I want try for the double today.”
After the champagne had been popped, BT still had another race to run. The Kiwi blasted out of the start gate to grab the hole-shot. Man and machine worked as one as they succeeded in opening up a huge lead over their rivals. Townley was loving every minute of the race and by the halfway mark he had opened up a thirty second lead. With his blistering pace he started to hit lapped riders and was cautious not to get involved in any last minute crashes. BT had lapped up to fifteenth position as he crossed the finish line and raised both hands in a victory salute to affirm his glorious achievement!
“This was the best race of my life. It’s also the first ever hole-shot I’ve had at a GP! We changed the set up of the bike from the first heat and it worked amazingly well. My team and sponsors have been great and I would like to thank them for all their dedication, help and time that they have put into me. I’m glad I could win the title with a double win today,” smiled an elated Townley.
2004 MX2 Point standings
1. Townley Ben, NZL, KTM, 572
2. Rattray Tyla , RSA, KTM, 464
3. Cairoli Antonio, ITA, Yamaha, 409
4. Sword Stephen, GBR, Yamaha, 382
5. Chiodi Alessio, ITA, Yamaha, 362
6. Maschio Michaël, FRA, Kawasaki, 343
7. McFarlane A, AUS, Yamaha, 329
8. Nunn Carl, GBR, Honda, 275
9. Caps Patrick, BEL, Yamaha, 264
10. Federici Claudio, ITA, Yamaha, 256
