Toby Price dominated the 2012 KTM Hattah Desert Race in Mildura, Victoria, taking out his third consecutive victory and locking in a Hattah hat trick in the process.
The Motorex KTM Off Road Racing star asserted his intentions from the outset, qualifying with a clear five-second margin over his nearest rivals in Saturday's Prologue event.
Price stormed to a commanding victory on Sunday, completing the eight-lap main race in a furious 4'16:21.125 and placing a 5:48.948 buffer between himself and the silver and bronze plates, which were taken out by Active8 Yamaha Yamalube duo Josh Green and AJ Roberts.
Price was thrilled to take out the coveted crown for the third year in a row, etching his way into the Hattah history books.
"The Hattah Desert Race came together really well in 2012 and it's definitely nice to get another win under my belt," Price remarked after his victory.
"I was able to qualify fastest in the Prologue, which meant I could take off first and pretty much have a dust-free run on my way to win number three. It was a great win for KTM and for myself."
Strong return from injury for Josh Green
Making his debut ride in the Hattah, 22-year old Green placed an impressive second. After a tentative start to the race, the Yamaha rider soon adapted to the high speeds of desert racing to finish as runner up to Price.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting to do this well in my first attempt,” remarked Green. “With no sighting lap I wasn’t too sure where I was going on the opening lap and kept overshooting corners. Initially the speed was the biggest shock. People told me it would be fast but it’s not until you do it that you realise just how fast your going.
Off the start I was in the dust of both Jarrod Bewley and AJ Roberts and Toby Price was able to gap me. Once I had got past them he was already gone but I’m pleased to have finished five minutes behind him in second place.”
2012 KTM Hattah Desert Race - Overall Top Ten
1. Toby Price
2. Josh Green
3. AJ Roberts
4. Warren Smart
5. Peter Boyle
6. Glenn Kearney
7. Brad Williscroft
8. Mitcham Harper
9. Craig Carmichael
10. Matthew Fish
