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Townley second in GP finale.
KTM factory star, Ben Townley, has ridden his last GP in Europe before heading to the US to further his professional career. The Kiwi phenom went 2-2 in Desert Martin, Ireland putting on a great show with title winner and friend, Stefan Everts.
Starters orders were given for the first MX1 heat of the day. Townley muscled his way into the ninety degree first corner and emerged in sixth spot as he shot alongside the pit-lane. It didn’t take BT very long to gain a few positions and we was now hounding Stefan Everts and leader, Josh Coppins. The trio were setting an amazing pace and it was Everts who made the first move to pass Coppins for the lead. Townley followed moments later relegating his fellow house-mate to third. Both Everts and Townley pulled a gap and the race was now on. With five minutes to go BT started to pressurize Everts and was trying different lines to pass the Belgian. The battle would continue right to the chequered flag but Everts had an answer for every BT attack attempt.
In his final MX1 GP race, BT rocketed to an awesome start and lead the pack into the first lap. He put together a string of amazing laps and proceeded to put 8 seconds between himself and second place man, Stefan Everts. BT kept his advantage over the Belgian consistent but by the halfway mark Everts was slowly reeling the Kiwi in. Everts had a better rhythm going and with ten minutes to go he had closed the gap and was into the lead. Townley tried his best to challenge Everts but had to settle for second as he was greeted by friends and fans at the finish line.
“I finally got a hole-shot and was leading by about 8 seconds. I don’t think I went much slower, I just think Stefan went faster. He was just better in the second moto and after he passed me I tried to follow some of his lines. I pushed really hard but I couldn’t follow him - I was pretty happy with my ride. There were a lot of people on the last lap who were clapping for me, especially to be at the finish line with everyone was really great. I have built up some great friendships while I have been here in Europe and I’m sure going to miss everyone. I’m really sad to leave and it’s only started to hit me today that I’m going and my life’s going to change again.” said an emotional Townley.
Townley was scheduled to ride the MX2 class at MX of Nations next week but fellow team-mate Daryl Hurley injured his knee while training and has been replaced by Cody Cooper. BT will ride his factory KTM 450 in the Open class and looks forward to putting New Zealand on the podium.
To see Townley’s final GP press conference speech check out www.bentownleymx.com.
MX1
