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Like father, like sons. More than two decades after Ben Townley made his mark on the international motocross scene, the next generation of the Townley family is preparing to chase its own dreams in America.
Townley, the former MX2 World Champion and AMA 250SX East Region Champion, is planning to bring his sons, Levi and Jagger, to the United States in 2027 to pursue their Supercross dreams.
After spending the last two years developing in Europe’s EMX series, the brothers are preparing for their next chapter. Levi will make the jump to the 250 class, while Jagger will move up to the 125 class.
“That has always been their goals and dreams,” Ben told GateDrop in a recent interview.
For Ben, it’s familiar territory. The New Zealander established himself as one of the world’s top talents before making the move to the United States, where he captured the 2007 AMA 250SX East Region Championship and battled some of the biggest names in the sport. Injuries ultimately limited his American career, but his speed and talent were never in question.
Now, the Townley name is preparing for another chapter in the American paddock.
Levi captured the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship in the 85cc class in 2024 before moving into the EMX125 class. He finished 11th in the championship this season despite missing five rounds due to injury.
Jagger, meanwhile, is coming off a runner-up finish at the YZ bLU cRU SuperFinale in the 125 Class at the Motocross of Nations in Ernée, France.
Levi recently reflected on his time in Europe and confirmed the move in an Instagram post:
“Two seasons in Europe, man that went really fast. Really enjoyed my time here and super grateful for all the people that have helped and supported me and our family through this journey. Gonna miss seeing some of those faces at GPs. Wasn’t the easiest time but I have learnt a lot and can take that into the future.”
For Levi, the move to the 250 class also opens the door to competing in the SMX Next program, which gives top amateur riders the opportunity to gain experience on professional Supercross tracks before making the jump to the pro ranks. And with a former Supercross champion guiding them, the brothers will have firsthand knowledge of what it takes to make that transition.
More than two decades after Ben made the move to America to pursue his own racing dreams, it’s now his sons’ turn to see what they can accomplish.
