DIRT NEWS

Toby Price is in the air with the Aussie confirming that he and long-time partners KTM have parted ways following his 5th place finish at this year ’ s rally . The announcement came via Price ’ s social media accounts where he disclosed to his 500,000 + followers that his contract with the team has come to an end . “ Everyone has been asking me about what events I ’ ll be riding in this year , but in some personal news , KTM has decided to not renew my contract so Dakar 2024 was my last event with them ...” he wrote . “ I do feel like I ’ m still in my prime and going out there fighting for wins , especially at Dakar so it ’ s unfortunate to not have that opportunity to do it in 2025 , but I ’ m really appreciative of the support they gave me in my career . We ’ ve been able to do some great things together like win two Dakars and get a couple podiums , a World Championship and our success in Australia too . For now my focus is on the 2024 SCORE International Championship with Team Australia and to see what comes next .” Unlike other manufacturers saying goodbye to popular riders in the paddock this year , KTM took its time in responding to the news that its successful partnership with Price had come to an end . “ First of all , we would like to say a huge thank you to Toby for all of his incredible achievements with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ”, said Rally Team Manager , ​in the official KTM statement . “ It ’ s safe to say I share the sentiment of the whole team in that we are sorry to see Toby go , but we would like to thank him for the key role he has played in the team for so many years . From his two Dakar wins to his world championship title , Toby has always given 110 %. He is a team player through and through and has shown incredible passion and commitment to the brand over the years . We wish Toby all the very best for the future .” KTM ’ s Motorsports Director , Pit Beirer , shared the sentiment adding : “ Toby has been a hugely influential member of the rally team , and his significance to the brand and its many triumphs cannot be overstated . I ’ m certain I speak for all at KTM when I wish him well in his future endeavours .” Price has been with KTM since 2009 with his debut at the Dakar Rally coming in 2015 where he placed an incredible 3rd overall . He then went on to win the incredibly tough event in both 2016 and 2019 for KTM . In the 2024 edition of the Dakar Rally , Price finished 5th overall just minutes behind his sole KTM teammate Kevin Benevides who finished fourth . The KTM pair finished the rally on a high with a 1st and 2nd place finish on the final stage of the rally .

96 KIWI RIDER