Home Motorcycles World Rally-Raid: KTM Has Dropped Toby Worth

World Rally-Raid: KTM Has Dropped Toby Worth

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World Rally-Raid: KTM Has Dropped Toby Worth

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  • Enduro world champ and crowd favourite Toby Worth’s contract with Group Orange finishes this 12 months
  • KTM won’t be renewing its contract with Worth
  • This 12 months marks Worth’s tenth within the Dakar Rally
  • No point out has been fabricated from Worth’s resolution going ahead

After 15 years of gorgeous specs, KTM has made the choice to not renew their contract with their enduro world champ, Toby Worth.

The Aussie is at present a consultant of the Purple Bull Manufacturing unit KTM Rally workforce, archiving memorable moments similar to:

  1. Touchdown 5 Australian Off-Street Championship titles
  2. Topping the E3 class on the 2014 FIM Worldwide Six Days Enduro (ISDE)
  3. Profitable 5 of the 14 levels in his second 12 months as a Dakar manufacturing facility rider and ending with a lead of just about 40 minutes (2016)
  4. Turning into FIM Cross-Nation Rallies World Champion in 2018
  5. Logging a second Dakar Rally win regardless of a damaged wrist on the 2019 Dakar Rally
  6. Being the primary Australian to win the Dakar Rally

Now, regardless of the spectacular lineup, KTM’s determined to half methods with Toby Worth.

A rally racer in the sand dunes.
KTM Rally workforce member Toby Worth. Media offered by KTM.

Why is KTM not re-signing Worth? 

KTM’s resolution to not renew Worth’s contract comes after the Austrians gave option to Honda within the 2024 Dakar, putting fifth place with zero podiums to point out for his or her efforts. It’s a latest one, too, contemplating KTM’s press launch was exhibiting off Worth’s capabilities as not too long ago as three months in the past

Whether or not the rationale for KTM’s selection lies in specs or mum or dad firm Pierer’s “implement[ing] cost-cutting measures within the double-digit million vary within the 2024 monetary 12 months” (Pierer Mobility) is left to be seen; regardless, Toby’s state of affairs comes as a little bit of a disappointment, each to Worth and the Mullet Man’s followers.

A rally racer with his motorcycle.
KTM Rally workforce member Toby Worth. Media offered by KTM.

What does Worth say concerning the contract change?

In response to protection from ADVPulse, Worth contests that he nonetheless has a whole lot of gasoline left within the proverbial tank, imparting the next assertion:

“KTM has determined to not renew my contract so Dakar 2024 was my final occasion with them. I do really feel like I’m nonetheless in my prime and going on the market combating for wins, particularly at Dakar so it’s unlucky to not have that chance to do it in 2025 however I’m actually appreciative of the help they gave me in my profession.”

– Toby Worth, Purple Bull Manufacturing unit KTM Rally workforce (ADVPulse)
A rally racer in the sand dunes.
KTM Rally workforce member Toby Worth. Media offered by KTM.

What do Worth’s workforce members to say concerning the contract drop?

The workforce is unhappy to see Worth go – as may be anticipated – nevertheless it’s KTM’s Rally Group Supervisor’s phrases that actually drive the purpose residence in a press launch that was revealed by KTM at this time

“Initially, we want to say an enormous thanks to Toby for all of his unbelievable achievements with Purple Bull KTM Manufacturing unit Racing. 

It’s secure to say I share the sentiment of the entire workforce in that we’re sorry to see Toby go, however we want to thank him for the important thing position he has performed within the workforce for therefore a few years. From his two Dakar wins to his world championship title, Toby has at all times given 110%. 

We want Toby all the easiest for the long run.”

– Andreas Hölzl, Rally Group Supervisor, KTM (press launch)
A rally racer in the sand dunes.
KTM Rally workforce member Toby Worth. Media offered by KTM.

What are Worth’s plans for 2025?

We might not have a affirmation on what Worth shall be as much as within the new racing season, however we’ve some estimations from ADV Rider detailing potentials for the Aussie:

“Yamaha blew up their manufacturing facility Dakar workforce a few years in the past. Honda’s manufacturing facility workforce is already crowded, which would depart Hero as most likely the next-best choice… and so they have Ross Department. Have they got the funds for one more elite rider? 

… Would Worth take into account using for one of many second-tier factories, like Sherco or Fantic? Or possibly, simply possibly, Worth might transfer over to the Africa Eco Race as a substitute; definitely much less prestigious than the Dakar, however there’s rising alternative in that occasion if you wish to race a twin-cylinder bike as a substitute of a 450.”

– Zac Kurylyk, “KTM Rally Raid Group Will Not Re-Signal Toby Worth” (ADV Rider)
March 21, 2024.

What plans do you suppose Toby Worth has for the approaching season? 

*All media offered by KTM*

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