Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing’s Ben Townley is recovering at Brisbane Private Hospital following successful surgery on a femoral head-associated acetabular rim fracture, sustained during a fall at round two of the Monster Energy MX Nationals at Coonabarabran on the weekend.

The 27-year-old was air-lifted to Armadale on Saturday after crashing heavily in practice. A CT Scan revealed a dislocated hip and broken bone and the former World Motocross Champion was transferred to Brisbane Private under the care of Dr Lawrie Malisano.

Speaking after the operation, Dr Lawrie Malisano said Townley could be back on the bike within four months.

“The surgery was successful,” Dr Malisano explained. “Ben had a femoral head associated acetabular rim fracture, which required open reduction and internal fixation with lag screws and a bone anchor.

“Ben is likely to make a full recovery, his fitness and health will contribute to his recovery. The best case scenario will see him racing within four months.

“We will keep a close eye on his recovery and aide where we can,” Dr Malisano concluded.

As Townley recovers in hospital he is also coming to grips with the realities of what has just happened.

“I can’t believe I am laying here in hospital,” Townley said. “I am supposed to be packing for America.

“I am fit and was looking forward to racing in either America or Australia. It’s not fun lying here I had really given everything and felt that I was the best prepared I had ever been this year.

“It is so hard to believe, but I have to accept it and focus on my recovery,” Townley continued.

In acknowledging and extending his appreciation for the remarkable work of RACESAFE director Simon Maas, Brendon Kiley of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Dr Lawrie Malisano, Townley said couldn’t thank them enough.

“I am overwhelmed by the extraordinary lengths of these men,” he added. “I have been treated like an athlete and the respect they have shown me will never be forgotten. My family and I can’t thank them enough.”

Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing’s team owner Yarrive Konsky understands all too well that injuries can rob champions of championships.

“It’s quite amazing that the American injury list right now reads a who’s who of the top twenty racers in America with upwards of 15 of them sidelined,” said Konsky.

“We all accept that racing is dangerous and it hits hard when one of your riders is injured like this.”

General manager of Honda Motorcycles Tony Hinton is committed to Ben’s recovery and looks forward to his return.

“We see this happen in motorsport to often and we accept that it can happen to anyone,” Hinton said. “Right now our focus is to make sure Ben is comfortable and he has everything he needs to make a full recovery.”

Fans are encouraged to send support messages to [email protected] or to Brisbane Private Hospital Wickham Terrace where Townley is expected to remain for up to five days before returning home to New Zealand.