Nearly two decades after Ben Townley captured an American Supercross championship, the Townley name is preparing for another chapter in the United States.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing officially announced on October 26 that New Zealand brothers Levi and Jaggar Townley have signed multi-year agreements to join its amateur racing program.
The sons of former MX2 World Champion and AMA Supercross 250SX East Champion Ben Townley will make the move to American racing after developing their skills across New Zealand and Europe.
And while their father's accomplishments have made the Townley name familiar throughout the motocross world, both brothers are arriving with impressive achievements of their own.
Following in Their Father's Footsteps
Ben Townley's international motocross career helped establish him as one of New Zealand's most accomplished motorcycle racers.
In 2004, he captured the FIM MX2 World Championship before eventually making the move to compete in the United States.
His breakthrough in American Supercross came in 2007, when he won the AMA Supercross Lites East Championship, now known as the 250SX East Championship, while racing for Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki.
It was a significant achievement for the New Zealander, who had already demonstrated his ability to compete against some of the world's best motocross riders.
Now, his sons are preparing to experience American racing themselves.
But rather than entering the professional ranks immediately, Levi and Jaggar will continue their development through Yamaha Star Racing's established amateur program.
Their progression will be guided by their individual results and experience, not simply by the expectations associated with their father's name.
Levi Townley: A Junior World Champion Moving to the 250 Class
At just 16 years old, Levi Townley has already established an impressive international résumé.
The older Townley brother claimed the 2024 FIM 85cc Junior Motocross World Championship and has collected four New Zealand motocross titles.
He also finished runner-up in the YZ125 category at the 2024 Yamaha YZ BLU CRU SuperFinale at Matterley Basin in the United Kingdom.
More recently, Levi spent two seasons developing in European competition, including the EMX125 Championship with the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team.
His 2026 European campaign was interrupted by injury, but he returned to competition and secured a podium finish at Foxhills.
Now comes another significant step.
For 2027, Levi will move up to the Yamaha YZ250F and compete in the 250A and Open Pro Sport categories at major American amateur nationals.
He is also scheduled to participate in SMX Next, the development platform that gives emerging riders exposure to the professional SuperMotocross environment.
The move represents more than a new team or motorcycle.
It introduces Levi to American racing conditions, different tracks and a competitive system designed to prepare talented amateurs for professional careers.
Jaggar Townley: Building His Own Racing Career
While Levi prepares for the 250 class, younger brother Jaggar will continue developing aboard a 125cc motorcycle.
At 14 years old, Jaggar has already collected significant international experience.
He finished third in the 2025 EMX85 European Championship and followed that performance with a runner-up result at the 2026 Yamaha YZ BLU CRU SuperFinale in Ernée, France.
He is also a former New Zealand Junior Motocross Champion.
Those accomplishments have helped establish him as a promising young rider in his own right.
With Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, Jaggar will compete aboard the Yamaha YZ125 in the 125 B/C and Schoolboy 1 divisions at American amateur nationals.
The team has identified him as part of its long-term development plans, giving Jaggar the opportunity to continue refining his skills as he progresses through the amateur ranks.
Although the brothers will share a team, their racing programs will be different.
Levi's focus shifts toward the 250 class and SMX Next, while Jaggar continues building experience in the 125cc divisions.
That distinction is important as both riders pursue their individual paths toward professional racing.
Why Yamaha Star Racing's Amateur Program Matters
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing has established itself as one of the most successful organizations in modern American Supercross and motocross.
Its professional racing operation has produced championships and developed riders capable of competing at the highest level.
But the organization's investment extends beyond established professional competitors.
Through its amateur development program, Yamaha works with younger riders as they prepare for increasingly competitive classes and, eventually, potential professional opportunities.
For the Townley brothers, joining that environment provides access to a structured racing program with experienced personnel and competitive Yamaha machinery.
It also places them alongside other rising American and international talents.
The challenge now is translating the experience they've gained in Europe into results on American tracks.
Success in European youth racing does not automatically guarantee success in the United States, but it gives both brothers a valuable foundation.
Easton Graves Also Joins Yamaha's Amateur Roster
The Townley brothers were not the only new riders announced on October 26.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing also confirmed the signing of American amateur standout Easton Graves.
Graves enters the program after capturing the 2026 Supermini 2 championship at Loretta Lynn's AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship.
The Louisiana rider will advance to the 250B division aboard the Yamaha YZ250F and continue his development through amateur nationals and SMX Next.
Levi, Jaggar and Graves have all signed multi-year agreements with the organization.
They join returning amateur program rider Carson Wood, completing a development group with riders competing across multiple amateur classifications.
These amateur signings are separate from Yamaha Star Racing's professional 250SX team. None of the new riders should be treated as confirmed full-time professional 250SX competitors simply because they have joined the same organization.
What's Next for the Townley Brothers?
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing has identified the 54th Annual Thor Mini O's, scheduled for November 21–28 at Gatorback Cycle Park in Alachua, Florida, as the opening event for its amateur racing program.
Specific rider entries should be confirmed separately as the event approaches.
For Levi and Jaggar, the larger objective is clear: establish themselves within American amateur racing during the next phase of their development.
Levi will look to apply his international championship experience to the 250A, Open Pro Sport and SMX Next categories.
Jaggar will continue gaining experience on the YZ125 while competing in the 125 B/C and Schoolboy 1 divisions.
Both riders arrive with strong results, significant expectations and the support of one of American motocross's most established teams.
Their father accomplished something special when he crossed the globe and won an American Supercross championship in 2007.
Now, nearly 20 years later, the next generation of the Townley family is preparing to write its own story.
Levi and Jaggar Townley are officially joining Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing. What they accomplish in America will be theirs to earn.
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Photo: Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing — Levi and Jaggar Townley with their Yamaha motorcycles following the announcement of their signing to the team's amateur program for 2027.
