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Date :30 May 2004
Press Release :
What a day for Ben Townley and New Zealand! The MX prodigy from Taupo wrapped up an impressive double win today in front of sell out English crowd. To top it all off, Townley went track side to cheer on his fellow compatriot, Josh Coppins to his first ever MX Grand Prix win!
Townley’s Scottish rival, Stephan Sword grabbed the hole-shot in race one with BT hot on his heels. An early mistake by Sword on the second lap handed the lead to Townley and it was Japanese guest rider, Akira Narita and KTM team-mate Tyla Rattray who would follow suite. Narita’s challenges only lasted a few laps before the KTM Champ team-mates disappeared into the distance. The crowd was on their feet as Townley and Rattray raced side by side over the fast spectacular Gore Basin circuit. Townley would eventually get the better of Rattray as he settled into a consistent rhythm and ran away with his ninth heat win of the season.
“I was happy with my ride but I was lucky when Stephen handed me the lead after he stalled it in a corner. I managed to find some good lines towards the end of the race giving me the advantage over Tyla. The next heat is going to be some exciting racing,” explained Townley.
The excitement did more than burst as soon as the gate dropped for race two. Townley and Sword were rubbing elbows the complete length of the high speed start straight. Both riders were hanging far back on their machines to gain maximum traction. Townley took a glare at Sword as the two went side by side up a steep up hill step jump with Townley having the inside line to the following corner. The English crowd went berserk when Sword answered back with a pass on Townley. KTM team-mate Rattray was following closely in third. Townley took some time to study Sword and on the third lap the Kiwi passed the Scott and gave him his second glare of the race! Roars and cheers echoed throughout the circuit. Townley’s onslaught had rattled Swordy and before long, Rattray had slipped by into second. Once again the KTM train disappeared into the dust. BT steadily built on his lead and the youngster took time to salute the English crowd for their unbelievable presence! Townley wrapped up his fifth overall GP of the season.
“What a day for the Kiwis! I am so happy for Josh and I couldn’t have asked for a better day either. My fitness played an important role as I showed that I was strongest at the end of both races today. There are a lot of Kiwi’s that have come to support us especially some close friends of my family. We are sure going to celebrate tonight!” exclaimed BT.
2004 MX2 Point standings:
1. Townley Ben, NZL, KTM, 294
2. Sword Stephen, GBR, Kawasaki, 268
3. Rattray Tyla, RSA, KTM, 240
4. Mc Farlane, AUS, Yamaha, 209
5. Maschio Michaël, FRA, Kawasaki, 155
6. Cairoli Antonio, ITA, Yamaha, 154
7. Dobb Jamie, GBR, Honda, 142
8. Nunn Carl, GBR, Honda, 142
9. Leok Aigar, EST, KTM, 127
10. De Reuver Marc, NED, KTM, 121
