While Penrite Honda Racing’s Ben Townley officially retired from full-time competition in 2013 following a series of debilitating injuries he made a successful return to the MX Nationals at Coolum and has confirmed he will compete in the final two rounds of the series.
Townley made a triumphant return to the podium in what was his first national Australian Motocross event in nearly twelve months, winning the opening MX1 moto and claiming third overall for the round.
The 2004 World Motocross Champion’s new video ‘Full Circle’ shows that he still has the drive and ability to be competitive.
"I am enjoying my riding and racing," Townley explained. “I never retired because I didn't love it, I retired because my body retired on me and I couldn't give it 100 percent."
"I am definitely interested in racing fulltime in the future if everything works out, but I am in no rush to make that commitment. At the moment I am focused on the final two rounds of the Australian MX Championships and will see what other professional opportunities come forward."
Over the past twelve months Ben has worked closely with Honda Motorcycles testing in Japan and working with the Australian Honda team and riders.
"I enjoy testing, learning about the bike, and working out how to improve it,” Townley continued. “Having ridden for many of the best teams, you learn a lot of you take the time to listen. It's a tiring process, however a rewarding one."
The father of three will race this coming weekend in New Zealand and hopes to make it three-for-three in the gruelling Honda Tarawera 100 cross-country race (100 miles/161 km).
