Carlton Dry Honda Racing has confirmed that Ben Townley will make a return to competitive competition on 5-7 July, contesting Victoria’s famous 2013 Hattah Desert Race.

Townley, who retired from full-time professional competition at the beginning of the year, is no stranger to endurance races having participated in New Zealand’s annual Raglan Rocx event.

The former FIM World Motocross Champion will tackle the gruelling four-hour race onboard a specially prepared Honda CRF450R and looks forward to the new challenge ahead of him.

“I am really looking forward to Hattah,” Townley said. “Now I have retired from full-time competition I have the opportunity to do some events like this which are a personal goal.

“I have had to get off the couch and do a bit more training. Bike wise, I feel great riding, but four hours is a long time. Everyone is in the same boat it is going to come down to who rides a smart race.”

The New Zealand native will make his way to Australia early to assure he has the optimum setup to suit the tough off-road conditions.

“I am going to head over to Australia a bit earlier to do some testing, as we will change quite a few things on the bike to suit the off-road race,” he added.

Carlton Dry Honda Racing will field a three-rider effort with Peter Boyle joining Townley in the 450cc class and team owner Yarrive Konsky confirmed to contest the 450cc class and Veterans 35-44.