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This report is from Ben Townley`s PR man, Glen Dempsey.
Visit Ben @ his website: BentownleyMX.com:
It features his latest news, pictures, profile etc. and while you're there, leave a message for the young Kiwi in his `Guestbook'.
MX2 Championship leader, Ben Townley is not only fighting against thirty of the world’s fastest MX riders, the Kiwi motocross star also seems to be battling with “Lady Luck”.
The Belgian GP in Neeroeteren, close to Townley’s Belgian home base, attracted a good turn out of motocross crazy fans. A re-designed circuit would make for some exciting racing and Townley’s first place in the Saturday’s qualifying race gave the youngster pole position for the race.
BT shot out of the starting gate and looked set on grabbing the hole-shot but he was beaten to the first turn by fast starter, Antonio Cairoli. BT set about working his way to the front and within one lap the factory KTM rider was attacking for the lead. BT gained control of the lead in stellar style when he jumped past the Italian on a cliff like drop off section. The crowd was in awe of the Kiwi’s magnificent passing manoeuvre while Townley disappeared into the distance. By the time the last lap board was shown, Townley was well on his way to his twelfth heat win of the season.
“I managed to get to the front quite quickly and I had some good lines going which helped. Sébastien Pourcel rode well and he was tailing me for a while. I felt quite comfortable and was riding my own pace. I’ve got plenty in reserve for the next one” said Townley.
The second moto started well for the teenager as he took control of the lead in the opening stages. It looked to be a carbon copy of the first race but then disaster struck. Townley’s machine was blowing smoke and as bike and rider slowed it was clear that Townley’s race was over with a technical defect.
“Everytime I build a lead it just gets snatched away from me. I know that MX is a technical sport but this is ridiculous. I feel like getting in the car and going home!” said a disappointed Townley.
Townley still leads the MX2 championship standings by forty-six points however it is now Townley’s team-mate, Tyla Rattray who has moved into second place.
2004 MX2 Point standings
1. Townley Ben, NZL, KTM, 377
2. Rattray Tyla , RSA, KTM, 331
3. Sword Stephen, GBR, Kawasaki, 306
4. Mc Farlane, AUS, Yamaha, 285
5. Maschio Michaël, FRA, Kawasaki, 247
6. Cairoli Antonio, ITA, Yamaha, 235
7. Chiodi Alessio, ITA, Yamaha, 209
8. Nunn Carl, GBR, Honda, 191
9. Caps Parick, BEL, Yamaha, 181
10. Leok Aigar, EST, KTM, 167
