Media release – 5 March 2010
Pics attached: Toby Price #1 photo by Adam Riemann
Ben Grabham #38, Jarrod Bewley #78 by Luke De Graaf
Toby Price looking to defend #1 ranking in off-road motorcycle championship
Motorex KTM off-road racer Toby Price has one game plan in mind to defend his number one outright ranking in the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), set to commence at Port Macquarie on 13-14 March, and that is to “have fun”.
The 22 year old from Singleton NSW, talks about his game plan for competing in the E2 class, and defeating five-time World Enduro Champion, Stefan Merriman in last year’s Championship.
“I’m entering this year’s AORC with the same mind set as last year, and that’s to go out and have fun, as long as you’re having fun you’re going to get good results,” said Price.
“It’s going to be a tough season and no doubt Stefan Merriman is going to be the rider to beat, but I managed to do it last year for outright ranking, so it’s not impossible, and all is looking good for me preparation wise, I feel fit and healthy and hopefully I’ll stay injury free.
“I have been doing a lot of testing on the KTM 450 EXC around my home tracks, and also a heap of off bike training so I’m all pumped and ready to go.”
Also joining Toby on the Motorex KTM Off-Road Racing Team is Jarrod Bewley, who placed third outright in last year’s AORC, and second in the E2 class. Bewley from North Richmond (NSW) is renowned for his outright win at the 2009 Australian Four Day Enduro.
Commenting on this entry into the AORC Bewley said, “I’m switching from the E2 class to the E1 Championship for this year’s AORC, and I’ll be riding the KTM 250 EXC-F.
“I’ve been training pretty hard and getting used to the new bike, it seems to be all working well for me, and I’m going faster, so I’m looking forward to getting amongst it all.”
Rounding out Motorex KTM Off-Road Racing team’s entry into the AORC for 2010 is well renowned desert racer, Ben Grabham.
Grabham from Bathurst (NSW) it three-time Finke Desert Race winner, and although desert racing is his best discipline with competing he’s still a top contender for the AORC. Last year Grabham finished fourth in the E2 class, and will switch to the E3 class for 2010, riding the KTM 530 EXC.
“I’m really looking forward to getting into racing again for 2010,” said Grabham. “Everything’s been going well leading up to the series preparation wise, and I’ve been travelling around a bit training on various terrain, so I’m ready to take on the various off-road circuits that will be in the series.”
Brad Williscroft who raced in the E3 class last year will not enter the AORC for 2010, as he will resume a Race Team Manager role with Motorex KTM Off-Road Racing.
The 2010 AORC is a 12-round Championship held over six weekends. The opening two rounds at Port Macquarie on 13-14 March will be ran in a cross-country format (class mass start, most championship classes race for 2.5-hours flat out). Round two will be ran in sprint format (several laps of the bush/motocross track racing against the clock).
Gates to Port Macquarie’s Hastings Valley Motorcycle Raceway will open at 9.00am March 13th and 14th. Admission is $5.00/adult, children under 14 are free. For further event information see www.aorcracing.com.au
Racing results will be posted at www.ktm.com.au. The next stop for the AORC will be at Green Park on May 1st and 2nd at Conondale (QLD).
