There are plenty of brothers making their mark at the very top of the Motocross world right now, with the Lawrence brothers, Coenen brothers and Reisulis brothers all showcasing their talents. However, another pair of brothers are now preparing to take the next step in their careers – Levi and Jagger Townley.
After making the move from New Zealand to Europe, the past two years have been all about learning and gaining experience for the Townley brothers. Now, their next chapter will see them head across the Atlantic, with America set to be their new home for the 2027 season and beyond.
Levi has spent the past two seasons competing in the EMX125 series. While injuries have limited his racing and prevented him from putting together the seasons he would have liked, the New Zealander has gained valuable experience across a wide range of tracks and conditions.
His younger brother Jagger has spent most of his time racing an 85cc in Europe but has recently made the move onto the 125cc, competing in two events on the bigger machine as both brothers prepare for their next steps.
Townley brothers set for American move
Their father, former world champion Ben Townley, has now confirmed that the family will leave Europe and make the move to America for 2027.
The move will see Levi step up to the 250cc class, while Jagger will continue his development on the 125cc. Both riders will now have the opportunity to compete in the SMX Futures pathway in the future, which provides a platform for young riders looking to progress through the American system.
“I think that Levi is doing pretty well but he’s going to have to continue to keep building over the next year just to get that confidence back. For Jagger, he’s had two great years learning and progressing here in Europe and he’s moving on to a 125cc now. Levi will go to a 250cc now and Jagger onto a 125cc so that’s pretty cool for them”, Townley told GateDrop.com.
For the brothers, the ultimate goal is to one day line up on an AMA Supercross starting gate as professional riders.
“We’re moving to the US, that’s always been their goal and dreams. The opportunity is there so we’re going to head there. I think here in Europe, it’s really a great place to develop and I saw that when we came over to race here in Heerde in 2024, I hadn’t been in Europe for eight years at the time, I started to see what the platform was here for these younger riders. I could quickly see that it would be great if they could get an opportunity which they did and we’ve done those two years now. For Levi and where he’s at, the SMX Futures presents a very similar platform as the EMX does so for me that’s where he needs to be going forward next year. I’m excited to see him”, Townley added.
A new chapter for the Townleys
The Townley brothers have now spent two seasons learning the European racing scene, with both riders gaining valuable experience before taking the next step in their development. Europe has provided the perfect platform for them to learn, but with their long-term ambitions focused on racing in America, 2027 will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Levi and Jagger.
With Levi moving onto a 250cc and Jagger progressing to the 125cc, the brothers will now look to establish themselves in the American amateur scene before ultimately chasing their dream of competing at the highest level.
