World Rally-Raid: KTM Has Dropped Toby Worth

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  • Enduro world champ and crowd favourite Toby Worth’s contract with Crew Orange finishes this yr
  • KTM won’t be renewing its contract with Worth
  • This yr marks Worth’s tenth within the Dakar Rally
  • No point out has been product of Worth’s choice going ahead

After 15 years of beautiful 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 Crimson Bull Manufacturing facility KTM Rally crew, archiving memorable moments comparable 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 phases in his second yr as a Dakar manufacturing facility rider and ending with a lead of virtually 40 minutes (2016)
  4. Changing 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.

KTM Rally crew member Toby Worth. Media supplied by KTM.

Why is KTM not re-signing Worth? 

KTM’s choice to not renew Worth’s contract comes after the Austrians gave technique to Honda within the 2024 Dakar, inserting fifth place with zero podiums to indicate for his or her efforts. It’s a latest one, too, contemplating KTM’s press launch was displaying off Worth’s capabilities as just lately as three months in the past

Whether or not the explanation for KTM’s alternative lies in specs or guardian firm Pierer’s “implement[ing] cost-cutting measures within the double-digit million vary within the 2024 monetary yr” (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 crew member Toby Worth. Media supplied by KTM.

What does Worth say in regards to the contract change?

Based on protection from ADVPulse, Worth contests that he nonetheless has numerous 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 preventing 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 assist they gave me in my profession.”

– Toby Worth, Crimson Bull Manufacturing facility KTM Rally crew (ADVPulse)
A rally racer in the sand dunes.
KTM Rally crew member Toby Worth. Media supplied by KTM.

What do Worth’s crew members to say in regards to the contract drop?

The crew is gloomy to see Worth go – as will be anticipated – however it’s KTM’s Rally Crew Supervisor’s phrases that actually drive the purpose dwelling in a press launch that was printed by KTM as we speak

“To begin with, we wish to say an enormous thanks to Toby for all of his unbelievable achievements with Crimson Bull KTM Manufacturing facility Racing. 

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

We want Toby all the easiest for the longer term.”

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

What are Worth’s plans for 2025?

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

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

… Would Worth contemplate driving 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; actually 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 Crew 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 supplied by KTM*

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