A joint press release has this morning officially confirmed that Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing has released Ben Townley to take up a dream opportunity with TwoTwo Motorsports in the American outdoors.

Townley will take over the factory Honda CRF450R at TwoTwo Motorsports that has been vacated by team owner Chad Reed, following his crushing injuries sustained at the Dallas round of Monster Energy AMA Supercross.

With Reed forced to the sidelines and in doubt to return during the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship this season, Townley will become TwoTwo Motorsports’ first official rider other than Reed.

“The support I have received has been unbelieveable, I can’t talk highly enough of the team, the components and the bikes,” said Townley of the Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing operation.

“The Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing team are ready to win a motocross championship and I know Brad Anderson and Ford Dale have the ability to prove that and I will be behind them 100 percent.

“Honda, the team and the sponsors have all had my best interests in mind and I can’t thank them enough. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to return to the US, and thank Chad very much for the chance.”

The announcement doesn’t completely spell the end of Townley’s association with Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing in Australia however, as he’s still expected to race the opening round of the Australian Motocross Championship at Conondale in Queensland on 1 April.

Townley also plans to return to Australia following the 12-round AMA national season, targeting a return to supercross in the Australian Supercross Championship at the end of the season.

Reed, a former multiple-time champion in the U.S, looks forward to working with Townley for the season, excited to have his TwoTwo Motorsports operation back on track for the outdoors when the series commences on 19 May at Hangtown in Northern California.

“After surgery and the initial realisation that I would be sidelined from competition for some time, I needed to consider the team’s ongoing development and if there was a rider that could step in and be competitive in the role,” said Reed.

“Ben has had success at the highest level of motocross and is riding at his best at the moment. He knows what it takes to win, and work in a close team environment. I believe he can be competitive and can be a contender in the outdoors championship.”

With Townley the heavy favourite for the Australian Motocross Championship throughout the pre-season, the Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing team has allowed the former world champion to chase his dreams with TwoTwo, and wished him the best of luck.

“My decision was a difficult one but Ben is a world champion and I strongly believe in putting my riders first,” said team owner Yarrive Konsky. “We all spoke at length before a decision was reached.

“Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing’s relationship with Ben has been strengthened and an important relationship with Chad and the TwoTwo Motorsports team has been established.”

Honda Australia motorcycles general manager Tony Hinton also sent his well wishes to Townley, enjoying his time working with one of the sport’s elite since he was confirmed for Honda in Australia late last year.

“This amazing opportunity has arisen for Ben and of course he wants to take it,” said Hinton. “The preparation and testing that the team has already done is still beneficial and we are confident in the talent of our riders Brad Anderson and Ford Dale.

“On behalf of Honda, I would like to wish Ben and TwoTwo Motorsports all the best for the season.”

Stay tuned to MotoOnline.com.au throughout the day for a complete breakdown of news, plus click here for an exclusive interview completed with Townley about the situation.