Former MX2 World Motocross and AMA East Coast Lites Supercross Champion Ben Townley has been linked to a shock switch to TwoTwo Motorsports for the upcoming Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

Townley could be joining Chad Reed’s team for the 2012 outdoors in the U.S, released from his contract with the Australian Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing team.

It’s believed that Townley was permitted to switch from the Australian team to TwoTwo late last week, however personal sponsorship deals were still to be finalised as of Friday afternoon before a deal is locked in.

Reed isn’t expected to return until late in the outdoors, if at all in 2012, with Townley long being a leading candidate for the seat if TwoTwo is to compete for the outdoor title.

If Townley does in fact move to TwoTwo and abandon his MX Nationals assault, it’s expected that Honda satellite rider Tye Simmonds could be first in line to take over the team’s MX1 seat alongside Brad Anderson.

However, sources from within the Carlton Dry Honda operation have suggested that they’re hoping Townley will still compete in the opening rounds of the MX Nationals, which kicks off at Conondale in Queensland on 1 April.

Stay tuned for more.