Rennie Scaysbrook | March 21, 2024
Australian rally legend Toby Price has announced he and long-time employer KTM have parted ways.
The two-time Dakar and former World Rally Champion put a post out on social media detailing the split, but gave no indication of his next racing move.
“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,” Price said. “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. A big thank you also to Red Bull, Blundstone Australia, Can-Am Off-Road, ARB 4×4 Accessories and BFGoodrich Tires who have been riding along with me on the bike, really looking forward to the future. For now my focus is on the 2024 SCORE International Championship with Team Australia and to see what comes next.”
Price on top of the 2019 Dakar podium in what was his second triumph in the event for Red Bull KTM.
Price has been one of KTM’s longest-standing riders, joining the factory in 2010. His success in his home country includes almost every major off-road race, including numerous Australian Enduro Championship wins, multiple Hattah and Finke Desert races, and ISDE appearances. His career was nearly cut short by a severe crash in 2013 while competing in the AMA National Hare and Hound Championship that saw the Australian break three bones in his neck that very nearly saw him in a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.
He returned to fitness and eventually took up rally racing, going on to claim third place in his rookie Dakar appearance of 2015. He would go two better in 2016, taking his and Australia’s first Dakar Rally win. Riding with a broken wrist, he repeated the feat in 2019 for a second Dakar triumph. Price also claimed the 2018 FIM Cross-Countries World Rallies Championship.
UPDATE FROM KTM ON MARCH 21, 2024:
The following is a press release from KTM:
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing would like to thank two-time Dakar Rally Champion Toby Price for the many achievements and results he earned with the team over the past nine seasons, as his contract concludes.
Price has competed on KTM machinery for 15 years, including nine as a factory rider, securing a world championship title and two Dakar victories for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Beginning his journey with the brand at home in Australia, Toby secured an incredible five Australian Off-Road Championship titles before making a name for himself on the world stage. At the 2014 FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), the Australian represented his country and topped the E3 category before beginning his career in the rally discipline.
In 2016, his second year as a factory rider, Toby triumphed at the Dakar Rally, winning five of the 14 stages to take the victory with a lead of nearly 40 minutes. Just three years later, Price brought home his second Dakar Rally win on his KTM 450 RALLY, despite suffering a broken wrist during the race. The 2024 edition of the event marked Toby’s 10th time competing at the Dakar.
Complementing his Dakar successes, 2018 saw the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ace crowned FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion, his first world title, after a successful season of stage wins, podiums, and victory at the Rallye du Maroc.
KTM would like to thank Toby for the multitude of achievements he has shared with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. The entire team wishes Toby all the best in his further career.
Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “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. 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.”
Pit Beirer – KTM Motorsports Director: “A massive thank you to Toby for everything he has contributed to our rally program, and for the passion he has constantly shown for the sport and the brand. Joining the KTM family over 15 years ago, he has brought home a collection of trophies and successes for the team, including his world championship title and two Dakar wins. 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 endeavors.”
