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Photo - Ben in Sugo:
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 MX world champ, Ben Townley, was devastated not to win the Japanese MX1 GP in Sugo today. The Kiwi phenom was impressive all weekend and was determined to challenge for what would have been his second GP victory of the season however, the twenty-year-old’s goal of winning his first ever Japanese GP was shattered after his engine gave in during the final laps of what will be remembered as one of the most exciting MX1 GP for years to come.
Townley’s first race of the day started off quite well with the factory KTM weaving its way into the top three in the opening stages of the race. Townley closed down the leading duo of Michael Pichon and Stefan Everts and a three way battle ensued. Pichon managed to pull a slight lead, leaving Everts to fend off a charging Townley. A last minute charge had the crowd on their feet as the younger Townley had closed down Everts and was looking for a way to pass. Townley made a last minute effort in the timing whoops section but a small error gave Everts the breathing room he needed to finish just ahead in second, while BT was not conent with ending third.
Determined not to let Everts and Pichon get the better of him in the second race, BT came charging through the pack after a first corner altercation. He experienced some resistance from veteran, Joel Smets, although the former Belgian world champ was riding on the limit and looked like he would bite the dust any second. Townley finally made his move and was on his way to catch Pichon and Everts. Roles had been reversed this time and with Pichon in second position, BT targeted the Frenchman first. After setting Pichon up, he executed a magnificent pass and was into second position and breathing down Everts’ neck. Over twenty thousand Japanese spectators were in awe of the young challenger who was now neck and neck with the eight times world champion. As Townley was set to make a move, his bike gave up all life and a devastated Townley was forced to the side of the track. All hopes of a GP victory in Japan were gone!
“I had a reasonable start in the first race and came through pretty well. I got into Stefan’s back wheel and I guess I got into his rhythm a bit too much as I didn’t really progress and pass him. The second race was just chaos in the first lap. I lost a few positions but then slowly moved my way up. From there I had an awesome ride and was making up good time on Pichon and Everts. After I got by Pichon I was focussing on Everts and had him set up but with three laps to go my race was over!” explained Townley.
One consolation for Townley was the excellent organisation and friendliness of the Japanese nation. Said Townley: “The atmosphere this weekend was awesome. The track was great and it just goes to show how a well prepared circuit can contribute to making exciting racing. The Japanese people are so respectful and I hope that the GP series will continue to return here every year.”
