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This report is from Ben Townley`s PR man, Glen Dempsey.
Visit BT30 @ his website BenTownleyMX.Com:
It features his latest news, pictures, profile etc. and while you are there, leave a message for the young Kiwi in his `Guestbook`.
The sandy and demanding circuit of Oss has played host to the second round of the Open Dutch motocross championship. KTM Champ star, Ben Townley, raced to a perfect score in the 125cc class and an exciting second in the Super-final.
BT had first pick of the gate for the first moto after posting an incredible qualifying time, five seconds faster than his closet rival. A good jump and shift saw the New Zealander power his way into the lead by the second turn and from there onwards it was to be a BT demonstration of smooth sand riding skills. BT crossed the finish line forty-four seconds ahead of local rider, Jan Van Hastenburg for the win.
“I started off with really fast lap times and toned it down a bit after the first ten minutes. Unfortunately, my team-mate Marc is sidelined with a neck injury - otherwise we could have been having some exciting racing today” explained the teenager.
A second moto hole-shot saw BT disappear into the distance once again, although this time the Kiwi was lapping with consistently faster times than his first race. BT seemed more at home on the rougher circuit and his KTM 250F seemed to soak up every hole and bump with ease. By the time the chequered flag had been waved, Townley had taken the victory, this time forty-six seconds ahead of second place.
“I seemed to have better lines in this race and I managed to post some fast and consistent lap times. My concentration was good and I felt strong after the race,” said Townley.
The last race of the day was the Super- Final, which combines the first twelve overall finishers from the 125 class with the first twelve overall finishers of the Open class. Being the overall winner in the 125 class, Townley had first choice of the gate which was no help against the faster Open class machines. As the pack wound its way around the first turn Townley was mid-pack, fighting for positions. While trying a different line Townley’s front wheel washed out placing, the factory KTM rider back down the field. The Dutch crowd were treated to a brilliant come back race as BT remounted and set chase after the leaders. He broke into the top five around the halfway mark and succeeded in reeling in Theybers, Verhoeven, and Pyrhonen to move into second spot. Fellow KTM rider, Sven Breugelmans, had taken advantage of Townley’s mistake and the KTM duo crossed the finish line seven seconds apart.
“I tried a new line to pass the guy in front of me. I didn’t work too well and I lost the front end. I enjoyed fighting back but I just didn’t have enough time to catch Sven. It’s been a good day and great preparation for the GP in Lichtenvoorde, next weekend” affirmed the Kiwi.
Dutch championship points standings:
1.Townley Ben, NZ, KTM, 112
2.Verbrugge Dennis, BEL, Yamaha, 87
3. Goncalves Rui, POR, Yamaha, 85
4. Brons Pascal, NL, KTM, 72
5. Van Hastenburg Jan, NL, KTM, 71
