Racer X Rapid ReaXtion: BT101 to TwoTwo
Monday, March 19, 2012 | 8:15 PM
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PrintTwoTwo Motorsports Bel-Ray Racing Honda just announced that Ben Townley will serve as their lead rider for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship while Team Owner (and rider!) Chad Reed heals up. Our crew weighs in on the move below. Be sure to tell us what you think in the comments section.
David Pingree:
This is just great news. Even if you are one of the Colorado native, die-hard Andrew Short fans who are still angry about their incident at the MXoN in Colorado a couple years ago you have to be excited about increasing the level of competition this summer. Because the bottom line here is that Ben is one of the few riders in the world who is capable of running the leaders pace here in America. He proved that again as recently as October when he beat Ryan Dungey straight-up at the MEC in one of the Las Vegas finals.
When BT raced here in 2010 he started the season way behind the curve. A freak preseason accident (false neutral going up a hill… never even crashed) left him with a pretty serious internal injury that would give him about three weeks on the bike prior to the Hangtown opener. Despite the lack of fitness, lack of seat time and lack of confidence he almost found himself on the podium in Sacramento if not for a small tip-over in the second moto. He went on to score multiple podium finishes that summer and also very nearly win a moto over Dungey and Reed in a nail-biter at Red Bud. And that bike that the Troy Lee Designs team and Pro Circuit spent a LOT of time tuning and tweaking was the platform for Chad Reed’s 2011 race bike, which they improved tremendously over the year. There is no question that the bike Townley will ride this summer will be light years ahead of what he rode in 2010. He will have the help and support of a multi-time SX and MX champion, a few of the best mechanics in the sport and a terrific team manager and crew as he finally gets the shot over here he deserves. That has Ben, and all of his fans, very excited about this summer’s national motocross series.
Davey Coombs:
I've come to think of Ben Townley as someone like a Greg Albertyn or a Sebastien Tortelli: he has the talent, speed and desire to win here, but he couldn't seem to keep from getting injured before the outdoor nationals while trying to learn supercross. Ben was just as fast as Ryan Villopoto back in 2007 when they had their epic battles for the 250 Motocross title, but then he began a string of injuries that pretty much led him back to Europe and then ultimately back to New Zealand. As a result, like Greg and Sebastien, I don't think he reached anywhere near his full potential while in the states, especially after winning a world title in Europe.
Now BT101 is getting another excellent chance, with the help of Chad Reed and TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Honda, and I hope he can erase some of his unfortunate past summers on the sidelines. He appears to be completely healed up, and he's gotten used to racing again, having just clinched the New Zealand title. I know that's not exactly like winning an AMA or FIM title, but it's something to build off of. And now that he knows where and what he will be riding this summer, I imagine he and the team will have an early jump on everyone else who is still racing Monster Energy AMA Supercross. But once that title is clinched--and it's looking more and more like there will be at least two rounds left when RV is mathematically crowned -- you can bet he and his team will start gearing up for a successful title defense outdoors as well. And he probably remembers the fast, healthy Ben Townley from '07 better than anyone else.
Steve Matthes
It’s great for Team Two-Two that they’ve managed to fill in their star rider Chad Reed’s spot with returning to America yet again Ben Townley. It allows them to keep representing their sponsors out on the track and Townley will be able to be a top ten guy for them which will give them exposure and hopefully, the oft-injured Townley can keep it together for a whole series.
And not to be a negative Nancy but when we last saw Townley racing nationals here in America he acquitted himself pretty well on the Troy Lee Designs Honda team. But since then, Ben took a big money offer and headed off to do the GP’s but that ended in disaster when a serious head injury basically knocked him out for the year and that was followed by a crash at an Australian Supercross round where he dislocated his hip. He raced the Monster Energy Cup and showed some speed but I’d be a bit cautious on going off that one moto that he didn’t have problems in as an indicator of where he’s going to finish for a 12-round series here in America. Townley had a signed deal to race the Australian nationals for Carlton Dry Honda but broke that to try his hand at America again, so clearly he wants to come back and desire counts for, well, something.
It’s great for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship to have BT101 here, it’s great for Reed and his team but I’d be a bit cautious as saying that he’s going to be anywhere near the pace of a Ryan Villopoto, Ryan Dungey and James Stewart (who says that he’s in as of now). Time waits for no man and since BT was last here, he’s had a rough year.
Bring on Hangtown!
Jason Weigandt
I remember well last year's RedBud TV show, where we showed Chad Reed a clip of his epic battle with Townley and Ryan Dungey from that race in 2010. Reed's first reaction? "Man, I sure do miss BT out here."
Well, now he's gotten him back! This is yet another step forward for the TwoTwo team, as many a top-line effort has sputtered as soon as the lead rider or team owner went down. Jeremy McGrath and Jeff Emig tried building teams around themselves over a decade ago, but once they weren't doing the riding, try as they might, the other riders, sponsors (and soon, the teams) were not able to stick around for long. Reed has now proven, again, his team is much stronger than anyone expected--first by winning against the factory teams, then by getting full factory support, and now by jumping back into the contender fray with a different rider than just the boss. I think the BT move makes it official: TwoTwo really is here to stay.
BT at the Monster Energy Cup.
Cudby photo
So how will Ben do? He's got a lot on his side, as Ping said above, he'll be on even better equipment than the Honda he did pretty darn well on in 2010. And Ben may have gone through some injuries and time off, but it seems like he knows how to build himself back up if given the right amount of time (he was off for awhile before 2010 and almost made it all the way back to the center of the podium). Right now it's hard to see anyone matching Ryan Villopoto's total package, but anything can happen in this game, and I wouldn't at all be shocked to see Townley get a win for his new team.
On a personal note, Ben is one of the coolest riders to talk to in the pits, so I'm glad he'll be hanging around. Plus, his personality is the perfect fit for the TwoTwo squad. I just hope Reedy's old Gotta' Be In It To Win It motto plays out--please, please, please, for once, let's not a get a "Townely injured during preseason training" PR. It's happened enough!
(And everyone just shut up about this stupid jinx stuff, okay? Again, if I had such mythical powers I'd be doing bigger things that moto journalism. And if you do believe I have such powers, would you really want to mess with me? Go BT!)
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Nothing but a positive move all around. Not really sure much could be said than what's above. Being self-employed, TwoTwo solidified my Reed fan status when he still went out and put it on the line for the same reason we all ride; the fun and love of it. Awesome move TwoTwo!
this could be a good move for both chad and ben. ben knows how to ride honda's
Really like Ben and will pull for him even if he is on a Honda. I think he is the best candidate for 22 and hope he stays healthy all year.
Great pick for the outdoors,should be top 5 easily i think! I just hope he left his bad luck in new zealand haha
Chad Reed is so rad. This move will either burn, or pay off big time. Either way, you have to give it him and the team for stepping up to the plate!
WOW, this is really cool news and a good move hopefully CR's sponsors will show some support for this. Also hope CR startes riding asap and gets back in it during the 1st half of the season--- Awesome news !!!
Great move for Two Two Motosports, Townley is a huge unsigned talent.... no brainer
Ah I used to love the old BT/RV battles, he was the only one who really had the speed to keep RV honest. Great move Chad!
Ping, Will he still run your # 101? Good to see Chad give him a shot
I'm tired of putting hope in guys who always let you down with injury. I say there's an 80% chance that Townley is out before we reach round 7. And by the way, if saying you hope BT doesn't get injured didn't jinx him, then saying you're not jinxing him did. Reed, I'm afraid your gonna be wishing you had signed Regal. (Seriously, what the hell does a guy have to do to get a decent ride?)
REGAL for sure ... He will make it through the whole series !!!! Townly ???
Barcia would have been a better choice. 22motorsports was negotiating FOR TOWNLY!!!!????!!!!
I will bee very surprised if anyone other than RV, RD, METTY get a podium. CONSISTANTLY!
Ben Townley is THE MAN. Genius move by Reed. Media support for down under Bel-Ray with a local NZ boy AND one of the only riders on the planet available that will be able to race for wins from the first gate drop. RV will be difficult with his confidence momentum but BT has already battled RV for a championship and knows what to expect. Yes he has had a lot of injuries BUT this will be his resurrection. BT stay focused, its a long series, keep it on two wheels, get an edge with lots of testing down at Reeds NOW and you will be there at the end...stay calm on the track...one race at a time...
OK, way to go Ben. Although I wouldn't be out to late celebrating because I think your life it about to change DRASTICALLY! Remember Ben, this is Chad Reed of 22 motorsport you are now riding for and I'm kinda thinking Chad likes being up front. Sooooo, play time is over, get ready to put in a huge effort with long, long, long days at the test track and very difficult training sessions in preparation for the outdoors.
LISTEN CLOSELY BEN, A lot of guys dream of an opportunity like this so lets make it happen. GO GET IT!
I bet Ben is drooling right now lol. Just can't image Reedy's team being anything less than a lot of fun. I know they all work so hard to make things happen, but working for him sure beats working directly for the factories. Great move not only for team 22 but for all us fans.
right on klrman 1
Reed.....I wanna make out with you.
I wionder if it is states in the contract: "full use of two two equipment, resources, and smokin hot wife"?
"Listen here Kiwi, on this team you drink Fosters, and Fostesr ONLY! Any bad mouthing of Steve Irwin, and ur fired! Training will consist of scaling Ayers Rock, while rockin out to AC/DC. New Zealand in Australia's bit@h! Got it?! Welcome to the team Mr. Townley."
I think Chad must still be mad at Regal for passing him twice in the same moto at Freestone!!!! Bust out the 2011 for Regal and watch him get some podiums!
This is going to go over like a fart in church but I'm not a fan of Townley. This is the first year that I finaly started liking Reed a little, but this changes how i feel about this team. It will make the Nationals more interesting to see if he can hang with the Ryan's or not.
I think it's great for the series. So many riders out there have everything thrown at their feet and inturn give a half arse effort.
BT gives it 100% and for that alone deserves the job.
And no offense Verge, but I doubt either Chad or Ben will lose any sleep you won't be lining up for an autograph, plenty of positive diehard fans will be.
Go BT!
Chad Reed is the complete champion,on and off a bike,created his own successful team,and gives it his all,he certainly had his fair share of critics,but has always stepped up when he had to and shut the critics up !! he knows motocross, and his choice to go with BT101 says everything ..Great to see him put his faith in Ben...coz that God dam kiwi is gona Rooooost
Agree 100% dieselboy!
Go team Downunder!
I just lost the little bit of cred I had for you Matthes, for a start Ben will be a podium threat not a top ten guy, He did his hip here in NZ not OZ, and last but not least he has Carlton Honda's full support in this deal, get your facts in line before typing trash.
PS, Well put Weege, look forward to your Pre race Vids for outdoors, mite get to meet you as im over there for the last four rounds, dont tell Steve!
The new sheriff yawns.....! "Alot a hoopleheads shouting the news of a new gun out in the street" he says, .".......but Its a long ways still to Hangtown fellas "....he laughs and goes back to cleaning the baddest sawed off in the land.
i was hoping for Regal, but am just glad someone is riding for the two two motorsports banner. hope we get the townley of old and not the injury strickened of lately.
Although I like Townley, I can't see this as the wisest choice. Maybe REED should of took a look at how the H&H team is doing with their perennial injured riders.
Hope he makes a few podiums and makes it through the season.
I see Townley as a high risk / high potential reward choice. He's the only one out there with championships on his resume, but has been in a injury cycle for a while now.
If comparing two-two to H&H, I would say Tedesco is the only one who is comparable to Townley. Josh Hill is a year into something that may take years to completely heal, Hansen has always been more potential than reality, and Partridge is a solid rider who will get you top tens, but not wins.
No big surprise with this pick. Reed picked a guy running the Aussie series who is from N.Z. Big shock. Lets hope BT doesnt trip and fall and break a hip or something.. But he has been running outdoors, so he might have a slight advantage at the moment not running supercross..
He should do well if he can stay healthy, Will be a top 5 guy and top 3 a lot too.
Still think "maybe" top 10 BD200??
BT101 seemed to have a tough time running with Dungey in 2010. He was consistently in the top 5 in a "light" field we'll call it...., but he had a lot of up and downs as well and RD ran away with most of those races....Last year 2011, RV stepped up the game at Unadilla and head to head those last few rounds was clearly a step above the rest.....I dont think we'll know until Hangtown, but I see BT pushing really hard to keep up with RV...not sure where RD and Stewart will be just yet but I see RV being a few steps above all those guys come Hangtown......
I just dont see BT101 getting on the podium at any nationals this year unless some of the top guys get injured. Stewart has always been fast outdoors and will be a podium threat (if he still plans on riding the nationals, which im sure he will). Then RV will be up there without a doubt. Followed by Dungey (although i would rather see him not). Those three will be battling for the podium every race if consistent and not injured. Then with Metty always being strong outdoors as well as Short if his injury doesnt hamper his results. Sprinklle in Weimer who seemed to find his groove towards last years nationals should be a top 5 guy. And with all these six guys plus others who always battle outdoors. I dont see BT101 getting much better than top 10 with maybe a few top 5's. Im not saying he is a bad racer, but he doesnt have a great record for racing in the states. He is often injured and unless he has become a more consistent racer since being away from the states i dont see this panning out to well for twotwoMotorsports. I think Reed would have had a better choice in choosing Regal. Although the results would be similar with BT101's Regal is a little better at staying of the ground.
@motohard85. How can you say he won't get a podium? He absolutely has the speed to be a podium getter... He was a podium guy in 2010 and wasn't even on a factory bike..
Top 10 maybe first few rounds but definitely a podium getter once the series gets rolling.. I say this is going to be a very interesting season, hope everyone stays healthy..
Well, I won't be surprised to see BT101 take it to Stewart a lot outdoors. Check out the Kiwi National highlight videos. He looks real fast right now. I won't be surprised if he is right there with Dungey a fair bit. I will be shocked if he challenges RV at all. I hate to say this, but I think Alessi is going to do very well outdoors. Again, not challenging RV good, but I bet he gives Dungey fits a few times. I bet Stewie has trouble getting into the top 5 at times with a start and no crashes.
I think this was a great move for Two Two, Ben has always had the speed to be a contender but has had a lot of problems with crashes and injuries, but I think with CR at his side they'll straighten him out, but obviously it comes down to Ben. I wouldn't be surprised to see him win motos and maybe overalls, the title? I think that's a long a shot but you never know, remember 2007? I think he'll be there every weekend with such a great team by his side, but they better get to work. Good luck BT101! Can Outdoors come any slower????
@BillC, I dont think top 3 at all.. Do you think he can get ahead of Dungey Stewart and RV1?? I dont.. Dont care what he did at MEC over Dungey. Even Decoster said he didnt want to run the rce because they wernt close to race ready, but Dungey pushed him tooo.. I think BT can get a top 5 now and then, maybe. Easily top 10..
Guys are so sure he will give Dungey fits, like Dungey isnt fast.. I remember the last race of the year at Pala and Dungey was running with RV1 on the 2012 Kawi.. Or did everyone forget already?? I think Regal would have been a good choice.
We have RV1--Dungey--Stewart--Metcalfe--Brayton--Short(if healthy), Weimer, and even Millsaps who is now in shape and benefitting with all the Stewie testing. Lets not forget this isnt the 24 year old Townelt who ran with RV when they were on 250's.. He is getting up there in age as far as moto age goes..He is around 29 now, or close
yo, bd200, if BT101 is 27 now, how could he have been 24 in 2007?
'The math ain't workin'.
He's younger than Reed, who has beaten RV outdoors and indoors.
toroP- I was kinda guessing. I think BT101 was born in 1984. So he will turn 28 this year.. So when he was racing RV1 in 2007 he was 22 and turned 23.. So I was off by one whole number, so sue me..
I just hope the guy can stay healthy.. He seems to be very fragile.. I think he nees to eat a steak or something, put some muscle on.. The guy is a stick.. When he hits the ground it is strictly bone hitting the dirt, no meat there..
bd200,
Talked to my lawyer, and we are not sure about suing you.
But my 2nd grade math teacher wanted to remind you that 29-27=2, not 1.
;)
Nice move though, trying to cook the books!
Good luck to BT101
Not trying to cook nothing, like I said, he will turn 28 this year...2012 minus 1984, is 28.....talk to your 2nd grade teacher again..
Ben will be 28 in December, around the same time Stewart turns 27. RV turns 24 (already?) in August. If anyone cares, Brayton already turned 28 last week.
If no injuries, BT will surprise a lot of people judging by some comments here. He isn't going to surprise some others though. Some people get caught up with "who did what back in (insert year)". When will people learn you can't go by that......just look at where James has been for the past two years. Guys get their program together and others lose it too from year to year. Townley may be the best prepared right now of his career. He's coming off a full MX series already heading into the MX series. I think he is going to haul ass.
bd200.
I was just messing with you. BT101 is 27 and will be the entire outdoor series, the MEC, and most of SX training, but hey, if you want to say he's 28, hell I'm with you, In fact, I'm going with your logic and say he's 30, because he will be someday, right?
He will turn 28 this year, I didnt say he already was 28, so I dont know what "logic" your talking about....Quit trying to make it so diffucult, its not that hard..