Monster Energy’s Villopoto & Townley Both On Podium at High Point
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ben Townley goes from last to 10th in first moto, then wins second moto in dominant fashion; teammate Ryan Villopoto (2-2) extends overall series points lead
CARLSBAD, Calif., (May 29, 2007) – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ben Townley put on quite a show in both motos of the Monster Energy/Kawasaki High Point National (Mt. Morris, Pa.) on Sunday – easily one of the more spectacular 3rd place overall finishes in recent years of Lites racing.
In the opening Lites class moto, Townley was involved in a crash at the start and had some spokes violently torn from his front rim. Having to pull in for a rare pit stop, the Pro Circuit mechanics worked a quick miracle and got Townley back in the race – all be it in dead last place. The Kiwi, a former MX2 class GP champion, would put his head down and pick off rider after rider until he’d finally caught back up to the top ten.
“It’s a long summer of racing and scoring points in every moto will be crucial in the end,” said Townley of his comeback charge. “I knew that Pro Circuit had put together a great bike for me and I took advantage of that and was able to salvage some important points despite the crash and broken spokes.”
In the second moto Townley stayed upright on the start, came out of the first lap in 2nd place and quickly took the lead from eventual race winner Josh Grant on lap two, checking out in fine fashion over Grant and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammate Ryan Villopoto to win the second moto and score an impressive 3rd place overall finish.
For his part Villopoto was the model of consistency in at High Point, going 2-2 for 2nd overall. With the effort he extended his points lead in the series (after two rounds) to eight points over Townley, 91-83.
Next up for the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team is the June 10th Southwick National (Southwick, Mass.) at Motocross 338, Round Three of the 2007 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship.
