Chris Hollis negotiates the Wildwood Rock Extreme Enduro on debut for KTM. Image: Russell Colvin.

Australian Off Road Champion Chris Hollis says he enjoyed his debut with Motorex KTM Off Road Racing last weekend at the Wildwood Rock Extreme Enduro in Victoria, despite a brake problem denying him a shot at the podium.

Hollis finished sixth aboard the 450 EXC, despite experiencing brake problems that were suffered while negotiating the challenging course.

Hollis worked his way through obstacles such as rocks, bricks, logs, balancing beams, tyres and dismantled ute trays in a three-hour race of attrition, eventually credited with sixth in the event.

“I actually really enjoyed the event even though I had to get used to the course since we don’t have this type of extreme enduro racing very often in Australia,” Hollis said.

“I felt like I got better as the race went on, but the brake troubles near the beginning basically put me out of the running for a podium.”

Hollis’ teammate Ben Grabham was 11th on the 500 EXC in a race that was much different to what he’s accustomed to, while defending Australian Four Day Enduro Champion Toby Price was ruled out after crashing on a rock section.

Price was released from hospital last night, cleared of any serious back injuries.

The Motorex KTM Off Road Racing team will now set its sights on preparing for 2012, where it will field Hollis, Price, Grabham and teenager Ben Burrell in various off-road events nationwide.