NZ motocross team chases podium finish -ozzy go- stuff.co.nz

Team New Zealand was on the podium in England last year and
there's no reason why the three-rider Kiwi line-up can't repeat
that achievement in the United States this season.

The New Zealand trio, accompanied by mechanics and other
support crew, headed to the US this week to compete in the 61st
annual edition of the world's biggest motocross event, the
Motocross of Nations.

They are brimming with confidence. "I rate our chances very
highly," said the Kiwi team captain, Taupo's Ben Townley.

Speaking from his base in Florida, Townley said he had a lot of
faith in his Kiwi team-mates, Hawera's Daryl Hurley and
Tauranga's Cody Cooper.

Just over a week ago, Kawasaki rider Townley wrapped up his US
Motocross Championships campaign by finishing runner-up behind
defending champion Ryan Villopoto in the Motocross Lites class
(for 250cc four-stroke bikes).

Townley had led the US series for much of the season, but bad
luck caused him to drop points at vital times.

Despite winning six of the 12 rounds, he finished the series 19
points behind Villopoto, a key member of America's Motocross of
Nations team.

This year's Motocross of Nations, an event regarded as the
Olympic Games of motocross, is to be held at Budds Creek,
Maryland, south of Washington DC, this weekend.

New Zealand finished a close third last season, behind the US and
Team Belgium, and ahead of more than 30 other nations.

Despite one of New Zealand's top riders, Yamaha star Josh
Coppins (Motueka), being forced to withdraw because of injury,
the re-jigged line-up has an impressive look about it and Townley
believes the Kiwis have as much chance as ever of reaching the
podium... click on ozzy go to the full story on stuff.co.nz

Ben Townley (101) & Cody Cooper (965) at Glen Helen ten days ago - pics from tedescophoto.com