Ben Townley calls time
The New Zealand motocross champion has retired, effective immediately, citing a common theme for motocross and supercross riders – recurring injuriesAfter a stellar 12-year international career that yielded a MX2 world motocross title in 2004, an AMA Supercross Lites East Coast title in 2007 and countless national titles, New Zealander Ben Townley has retired, effective immediately.
“This decision hasn’t come easy,” Townley said.
“I am yet to finish a full season in five years due to injuries and unfortunately they have taken their toll. I love racing, it has been my life for 22 years however I have a wife and two beautiful young sons to consider.
“While I am retiring from full-time competition, I will still ride and race at selected events. My reputation and integrity are of the utmost importance to my family and me. I told my team that I can’t deliver the championships I promised them injured, and after this last fall I realised I needed to take time off to fully recover.
“Although I am retiring from full-time competition I am not walking away from the sport. I love motocross and understand and accept that we can get injured. I am only 28 and I believe I have a lot I can give the team and the sport. “
Townley’s remarkable journey saw him leave New Zealand to take on the world at just 16 years of age. He spent five years in Europe and after claiming the MX2 world title in 2004, he finished third in the MX1 world championship the following year.
No announcement has yet been made on who will replace Townley in the local distributor-backed Honda team, with the opening round of the 013 Australian Motocross Championship to commence at Raymond Terrace (NSW) on April 14.
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