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Photo - Courtesy Andy McGechan:
Email Andy He just may have a photo of you?
Not so many years ago and just fresh from school, a very young Ben Townley ventured to a part of the world that was far from his home, parents and friends to pursue a dream.
In the intervening years he has been a foreigner in a non-english speaking country and endured the loneliness that entails. The financial burden borne by Ben's family must have been considerable as there were no handouts from government (remember, motorcycle sport is NZ's underdog sport). He has experienced the pain of injuries and the harsh politics of the sport. He demonstrated maturity beyond his years and conquered his adversities and went on to secure the dream factory ride.
It was an enormous challenge that he embarked upon those few years ago. In fact most people (including the writer) endorsed Luke Burkhart's decision when he declined to take that opportunity.
However if Ben should not achieve any thing else in his career, his World Championship MX2 win is a sensational result and ranks up with the Gold Medal winning Olympians - probably ahead when the numbers competing globally are taken into account. OK, those numbers do not include those from the USA - that will come later.
Remarkable too is that along the journey, Ben Townley has earned the worldwide respect of his peers - as the likeable, unpretentious and approachable young guy from Taupo, NZ.
One hopes that readers close to Auckland will get along to the International Airport to give Ben the reception he deserves.
That is after he has ridden a few more races.
It has been another great day for NZ motorcycle sport.
Ben Townley's profile:
Date of Birth: 9 December, 1984
Place of birth: Taupo, NZ
Home town: Taupo, NZ
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 65kg
Hobbies: Training, BMX, Squash, Mountain biking, Jet-skiing - anything that is challenging.
Status: Factory KTM rider
Mechanic: Craig Behl, NZ
Winner of 8 World GP’s:
* 125 Swedish GP, 2002
* MX2 GP’s of Flanders, Portugal, Netherlands, Benelux, Great Britain, Sweden and Czech Republic, 2004.
And more in this MX247 Report:
