DIRT NEWS
TOBY PRICE COMMITS TO DAKAR ‘ 24
In the absence of Kiwis flying the flag in the
FIM World Rally Raid Championship , the next best thing is to throw our support behind our cousins over the ditch . For 2024 , we can once again count on being able to cheer on Aussie battler Toby Price as he tackles the deserts of Saudi Arabia and beyond . Price has officially extended his contract with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing which will see the Australian compete in the 2024 Dakar Rally . It will be Price ’ s 10th Dakar and his ninth ride for the factory team . “ I ’ m definitely excited to have signed to race another Dakar with the Red Bull KTM team ”, Price says . “ I ’ ve been racing for KTM for 15 years now and for the factory since 2015 , so it feels great to be able to race the biggest , toughest rally for them once again . It ’ s been a long journey with the KTM brand and one that I think it ’ s fair to say has brought both sides heaps of success along the way . With this contract extension signed now , I ’ m really looking forward to focusing on the Dakar early next year and hopefully keeping KTM up front .”
It ’ s not all about the Dakar , however , and Price has proven to be competitive throughout the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship . He currently sits in second overall in the 2023 Championship where he trails the leader by just nine points . Before switching his focus to preparation for the 2024 Dakar Rally , Price will first have to successfully complete the final round of the series – the Rallye du Maroc – which runs from 12th to 18th October . “ Obviously , it ’ s great to have Toby confirmed to ride with the team at the 2024 Dakar Rally ,” says KTM AG Rally Team Manager , Andreas Hölzl . “ I ’ ve known Toby for many years now and it ’ s safe to say his passion and commitment to the KTM brand is outstanding . The Dakar is unpredictable and incredibly tough , but as we ’ ve seen time and time again , Toby ’ s strength and willpower enables him to fight through and always deliver his best . This is going to be my first Dakar as Rally Team Manager and I ’ m so pleased that Toby will be part of the team . We ’ ll give it everything that ’ s for certain – we ’ re looking forward to January .”
20 KIWI RIDER