Former world MX2 motocross champion Ben Townley showed his class when he dominated round one of the New Zealand supercross (indoor) championships near Timaru last Wednesday.
Townley, on the comeback from a shoulder injury suffered in September 2007, finished 1-3-1 in his three open class races at Pleasant Point.
The 55 points he earned on his Kawasaki were five more than recently-crowned national MX1 champion Justin McDonald, of Christchurch.
Honda's McDonald carded 4-1-2 results and showed he will be Townley's main threat for the title, with three rounds remaining.
The next round is at Motueka on Sunday. Round three is set for Tokoroa on January 16 with the fourth and final round at Manukau on January 23.
Third best in the open class was Mount Maunganui rider Mason Phillips, who did double duty on the night, also racing his way to the top of the senior lites (250cc) standings.
Leading standings after round one of the New Zealand supercross championships near Timaru last night:
Senior open: Ben Townley (Tauranga) 55 points 1, Justin McDonald (Christchurch) 50 2, Mason Phillips (Mount Maunganui) 47 3.
Senior lites: Mason Phillips (Mount Maunganui) 60 points 1, Scott Columb (Queenstown) 51 2, Brad Groombridge (Taupo) 41 3.
Junior 250cc: Dylan Long (Australia) 57 points 1, Isaiah McGoldrick (Rangiora) 54 2, Tom Managh (Wanganui) 43 3.
Junior lites: Micah McGoldrick (Rangiora) 60 points 1, Haki Waller (Feilding) 51 2, Dylan Walsh (Christchurch) 45 3.
NZPA