Ben Townley, better known as BT101, announced today that he is hanging up his boots and retiring from professional racing. The New Zealand native has had a stellar career that included National championships at home in New Zealand, the 2004 MX2 FIM Motocross World Championship and the 2007 Lites Eastern Regional Supercross Championship.
BT101 won the hearts of the fans worldwide when he battled Ricky Carmichael in Ernee at the 2005 Motocross des Nations and cemented his status as one of the best in the U.S. in 2007 when he fought his teammate Ryan Villopoto tooth and nail for the 2007 250 AMA Motocross Championship before coming up short and finishing 2nd. The following year, Ben signed with the factory Honda team to ride Lites in SX and move up to the 450’s outdoors, but since that signing, it has been a rough road for the very likable Kiwi.
Since 2008, Ben’s career has been plagued with injuries, and after multiple attempts at comebacks that have ended in major injury, BT101 called it a career today in Taupo, New Zealand. BT will definitely be missed, but with his love for the game, I think we will be seeing him around racing in some capacity. MotoXAddicts would like to congratulate BT on a killer career and wish him all the luck in his future endeavors. Thank you, BT, for the memories.
Check out Ben’s tweet sent out today confirming his decision to retire.
Hey everyone, I’ve just announced today at Taupo that I’m retiring from racing. It’s been a hell of a ride and I’ve enjoyed it to the max !
— Ben Townley (@BT1zero1) March 31, 2013
