New Zealand motorcross great Ben Townley hopes to inspire at Mt Smart

Twenty years ago, New Zealand was home to some of the most recognised names in motorcross.

The King Brothers, Ben Townley and Josh Coppins were all near the top of their respective classes.

But the lack of Kiwi riders at this week's Supercross Open in Auckland is worrying one of those pioneers.

On Saturday night Ben Townley will be doing his thing in front of packed Mt Smart Stadium.

He hopes to inspire a new generation of Kiwi riders, something that's been lacking for some time.

"It [motorcross] is not in a great spot if you ask me. We've got a lot of work to do," Townley says.

Townley was a part of one this country's most successful eras in the sports history.

New Zealand's last male World Motocross champion knows exactly what it takes to succeed on the world stage.

"By the age of 16, 17 you've got to be ready to go and we're not currently so it's really disappointing for me that there's not enough youth here racing."

He's looking to change that, working with Motorcycling New Zealand to make sure there are pathways for others to replicate what he did 14 years ago.

"I defintely believe we can do it.

"But, it just comes down to the desire within the rider really is what I see the missing link right now."

One rider influenced by New Zealand's best is the Aussie headlining the event.

Two-time World Champion Chad Reed kickstarted his career here 21 years ago.

"Back in those days some of the best riders in the world were the King brothers, Josh Coppins," Reed said.

"I actually give a lot of credit to how I started my professional career all these years later."

Reed and Townly ready to inspire a new generation of Kiwi riders to fly high.

Newshub.