New TwoTwo Motorsports Honda team signing Ben Townley has confirmed that he plans to contest the opening round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals for Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing.

Townley, who wrapped up the New Zealand MX1 title last weekend, was this morning confirmed to be replacing team owner Chad Reed at TwoTwo, but he’s still on track to race the Australian Motocross opener at Conondale on 1 April.

“That’s the plan. I mean, at the moment there’s no rush to leave and there’s still logistics to sort out in getting over to America,” Townley told MotoOnline. “The people I’ll be racing against will be behind the start gate, although it’s going to be indoors, leading into Hangtown.

“I want to use my race craft going into there as well, so at least round one is on the cards for me. We’ll just see from there because it is a big change in direction and I’d like to repay the people who committed to me for this year.

“I’d like to repay the fans and everybody involved in Australian motocross, so it would be nice to see people face to face and be able to explain why. The writing’s on the wall, it’s a great opportunity, but I just would like to see them face to face before I head off.”

Townley’s expected to head to the U.S. mid-April and will be based in Florida for the season as he returns to the pinnacle of the sport in the 450 Class of AMA Pro Motocross.