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Shayne Rice went to Auckland Airport this morning to greet New Zealand's MX2 World Champion Ben Townley, who arrived at the positively indecently early time of 6am.
Here is Shayne's account of how it went and his photo of Ben receiving the keys to the SsangYong Rexton:
It was to be an early start for the many friends and family that gathered at Auckland Airport to greet New Zealand’s latest Motocross World Champion Ben Townley.
An exhausted Ben exited customs early this morning to a large crowd, and waiting media. “I am really happy to be home, it’s been a long time away but now that I have secured my dream, it has all been worth while”, said Ben.
I asked Ben how his shoulder was,”I can only lift my arm half-way at present but I should be fully fit for the Whakatane Summer Cross just after Christmas.”
Whakatane Summer Cross is an excellent event where NZ’s top riders can put themselves up against the new World Champion. It is also an event where the young 15 – 16 year juniors can put their skills to the test against him, being a non-MNZ event.
A reporter asked Ben if he was going to ride his KTM 250F which was given to him after winning the MX2 class of the World Championships, “I am not sure if I will ride it, although I would love to do a burn out on it at my local track in Taupo.” replied Ben.
Ben was also presented with a brand new SsangYong Rexton. SsangYong has been the Major Sponsor for this year’s National Motocross Championships. "We were so thrilled at Ben’s success, that we decided to show our support for his magnificent achievement by giving him the use of our top model Rexton whenever he is in New Zealand," said Russell Burling, MD of SsangYong New Zealand.
It may not be too much of a rest for Ben however, judging by the attention he is receiving from all the media. He has a few interviews to do today and the New Zealand Motorcycle Awards tomorrow night.
Keep your eye out for the SsangYong Rexton, you won't miss it!!!
