2004 World MX2 Champion Ben Townley was one of the most popular riders of the last decade in Europe and when he moved to America to race the AMA Nationals and Supercross series he quickly took that popularity with him. Injuries have seen the New Zealander drop off the scene in recent years, although with the typical fighting qualities that we see from his friend and countryman Josh Coppins the former World and AMA SX champion is fighting back.

Just a week or so back on the bike Townley is looking to make his comeback in January of 2010, and his return to action might even see him doing some races in Europe.

Q: Ben, a little over a week we have the MXoN, how important is that race for you?

Townley: MXDN is my favorite race of the year; I look forward to that race more than any other. I think the fans make it such a special race, they turn up with their flags and country colors and the size of the race has really grown since I was a professional racer. With USA supporting it and I think in particular Ricky having such a passion for it over the last few years of his career made it even more of a special occasion for the European fans to see Team USA and him racing. I have some of my most special racing memories from the Des Nations and some of my worst!

Q: Which races stands out for you at this event?

Townley: Ernee (2005) was really special, England (2006) also when I finally made the podium on Team NZ for my first time. Being up there with three good friends, Josh and Cody and our team manager Russell was huge.

Q: What about this year’s event for Team New Zealand?

Townley: I know we say this each year, but I think that this will be one of the toughest fought ever. Team NZ is a young team and I think that they could be around the top 5 mark, when you have a young team it’s all about every rider finishing and staying on the bike because it’s a funny race and weird things always happen.

Q: How is your time to win it?

Townley: As far as the race for first you can't go past USA, Italy will be strong this year and I think Aussie will definitely have their first podium ever. I expect Cairoli will have a little bit to prove after Budds Creek and being that it will be a home track for him. I'd say he'll be hard to stop individually

Q: Will we see you in the 2010 MXoN?

Townley: I am already looking forward to Colorado, I hope I can get back to my best by the end of next year and be able for selection for Team NZ, it’s such an honor to represent my country, it’s only a small MX fraternity, but a very passionate one down here and we have punched way above our weight at the Des Nations over the years.

Q: How good is this Team USA in your opinion?

Townley: It’s not an outright speed team, but they are strong consistent riders, I would have picked them if it was me, Tedesco has been twice and won twice! Dungey is the next guy in America right now and Weimer is fast, but consistent and they have a very experienced team to support them.

Q: Ben, what about 2010. What are you plans, and how is your progress to full fitness?

Townley: I don't have anything, right now I'm going back to the USA. I will race as a privateer as it stands right now. I am riding now without pain, so that is awesome. I'm still not 100%, give me 2 more months and I will be, I mean as far as strength goes. I plan on doing 6 races here in January, and then maybe in March some Internationals in Europe, or a couple of G.P's in April to build into the AMA Outdoor series. Depending on budget really.