KTM Enduro Racing Team rider Toby Price closed to within just six points of eventual winner Chris Hollis, but was unable to realise his ambition of winning the inaugural KTM Enduro-X Nationals championship, as the series concluded at Melbourne‰Ûªs Calder Park.
The Maitland hero finished third today behind American Husqvarna ace Mike Brown and motocrosser Beau Ralston, and concluded the brand-new KTM-backed series with a determined race three win over Brown.
In the chance nature of enduro-X racing, Price had a window of opportunity in the first final when championship leader Hollis fell to dead last, but as the KTM rider attempted to pass for second he became wedged in a rock obstacle, and as the field rode by he could only salvage seventh place.
He finished fourth in the second final, then capitalised on a great start in the third, holding the formidable talent of Brown at bay for several laps while he secured the race victory.
‰ÛÏThat was all I could come up with today, I had a chance at one stage but I probably tried to rush it a little bit and blew it, but that's racing, that's how it goes." Price commented. "I sound like a broken record, I can see that first race win coming but it just hasn't happened yet.
"It was a great series, and I really enjoyed it. Dave and Colin did another amazing job and it's good to see those guys putting in the hard work. If they keep up the effort, something big‰Ûªs going to come of it.
"I can‰Ûªt wait for the AORC to kick off because I know I‰Ûªm good and healthy and ready to keep putting the effort in until I get that first race win.
"Next I‰Ûªm heading out to Finke for some testing and a bit of promotional work with the desert racing team and I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be a big contrast going from slow technical riding to hanging on for grim life - I can't wait." Price added.
