FEATURE:
2016 DAKAR RALLY
SURPRISE ATTACK
Toby’s fi rst crack at Dakar was under
the radar to a degree. He wasn’t funded
by a tonne of money and he wasn’t
given factory machinery until near the
end. He was given a chance to show
what he could do and it was up to him
to impress. If he failed, that could well
have been the end of a dream, if not at
least a major setback. That he fi nished
third is nothing short of stunning. He
had trouble navigating, had trouble
with the language barrier and the
constant travel, little time to prepare,
etc etc. But he did what it took to get
the eye of the Red Bull KTM team and
when the great Marc Coma announced
his retirement, the powerhouse team
offered a ride to Toby.It was an uphill battle from there
to learn navigation, get seat time on
the new machine and learn rally from
the best, while also competing in
Australia, where he once again won
Finke and Hattah on a 500EXC (with a
smashed foot) as well as the AORC on a
300EXC. And all the while — motocross
riders take note — Price remained
a fan favourite, always giving them
time and acknowledging the adoring
kids who would stop him for a chat,
photo or autograph wherever he was.
Even grimacing in pain at Finke with a
shattered ankle, Toby would put his arm
around a kid and smile for photo after
photo. He wins fans for life and supports
kids who share his dream. Future moto
weapons who will always remember
when Toby Price gave them some time.