Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing backs Townley’s AMA Motocross opportunity

Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing and TwoTwo Motorsports today confirmed a joint agreement which will see Ben Townley contest the AMA Pro Motocross Championship before returning to lead the Australian factory team’s assault on the national Supercross Championship.

Townley will step aside from his seat in the domestic series to campaign the CRF450 of injured TwoTwo Motorsports owner/rider and multiple Supercross and motocross champion, Chad Reed.

Reed required surgery following horrific injuries sustained in an AMA Supercross crash in February, and after careful deliberation and consultation between team and sponsors, chose Townley to lead the TwoTwo Motorsports outdoors campaign and continue its path of motorcycle development.

“After surgery and the initial realisation that I would be sidelined from competition for some time, I needed to consider the team’s ongoing development and if there was a rider that could step in and be competitive in the role,” said Reed.

“Ben has had success at the highest level of motocross and is riding at his best at the moment.

“He knows what it takes to win, and work in a close team environment. I believe he can be competitive and can be a contender in the outdoors championship.”

Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing Team Owner Yarrive Konsky and General Manager of Honda Motorcycles Australia Tony Hinton were approached by Reed to discuss the possibility of Townley’s release from the factory team.

With Townley’s career prospects in mind, both parties agreed to support the move.

Konsky had been looking forward to a successful Australian Motocross season with Townley and said the decision to release his star rider was not an easy one.

“My decision was a difficult one but Ben is a World Champion and I strongly believe in putting my riders first,” said Konsky.

“We all spoke at length before a decision was reached. Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing’s relationship with Ben has been strengthened and an important relationship with Chad and the TwoTwo Motorsports team has been established.”

Respecting Townley’s exceptional talent, Hinton said Honda was naturally disappointed to see him leave the factory team but was confident that it still had the chance to challenge for the Australian title in 2012.

“This amazing opportunity has arisen for Ben and of course he wants to take it,” said Hinton.

“The preparation and testing that the team has already done is still beneficial and we are confident in the talent of our riders Brad Anderson and Ford Dale.

“On behalf of Honda, I would like to wish Ben and TwoTwo Motorsports all the best for the season.”

Townley had been overwhelmed by the support from his team and sponsors during this time.

“The support I have received has been unbelieveable, I can’t talk highly enough of the team, the components and the bikes,” said Townley.

“The Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing team are ready to win a motocross championship and I know Brad Anderson and Ford Dale have the ability to prove that and I will be behind them 100%.

“Honda, the team and the sponsors have all had my best interests in mind and I can’t thank them enough.

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to return to the US, and thank Chad very much for the chance.”

Townley will contest the opening round of the Australian MX Nationals before he begins pre-season testing in the US.

Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing and Honda Australia support Ben Townley and wish him every success with TwoTwo Motorsports in 2012.