With a victory on debut in 2010 followed by a disastrous mechanical last year while in contention for victory, Toby Price’s record at the Finke Desert Race is an interesting one.

MotoOnline.com.au spoke to Price about his big win and to find out just how tough the Finke Desert Race is for man and machine.

Preparation paid off for Toby Price and HSE Motorex KTM in the lead-up to Finke 2012.

Congratulations on the win first of all… How’s it feel to get victory number two in three years?

Yeah, it’s great to get that second victory and it’s one that I really wanted this year. All the hard work’s paid off, so I definitely have to thank HSE Motorex KTM for getting us out there – I’m stoked.

You topped the Prologue, were first out to Finke and then extended your lead on the way back. What made you so dominant in 2012?

It was just a lot of hard work and prep that we put in for this year. I really wanted to work hard and get this one back, so it’s all panned out really well.

The Prologue went well, got a good time there, so then I put my head down and went for it on the way down [to Finke]. I got a good, clean run, and it was the same for the return trip. It’s all turned out great.

The fact that you had a mechanical last year must make this year’s win even more special – it would have been a long 12 months to wait.

To not finish last year was definitely a hard pill to swallow, but I’m pretty sure everyone’s experienced that in this race’s harsh conditions.

It’s one of the toughest that we have, so to get back on the podium and back on that top box is definitely a bonus. You can’t take this one for granted, because 12 months is a long time to wait to have another crack at it!

Price has won Finke in two from three attempts aboard the 450 SX-F. Image: 404Shots.

This season has gone so well for you, so how does a Finke win rate compared to the numerous AORC wins you’ve clinched so far?

It’s funny because this race pretty much dominates what I do back home. Everybody you kind of talk to has something to say about Finke, so it’s definitely got a good following.

It’s nice to be one of those elite people to have my name on the trophy, so to now have it on there a second time is a great feeling. Hopefully we can come back next year and have another crack.

Next up is Hattah and then obviously the A4DE is later in the year. If you can win Finke, Hattah, the AORC and the A4DE that would be a huge achievement. Is that the goal?

That’s definitely the goal, because I’d love to repeat season 2010. There’s still a long way to go though and anything can happen, but I’m putting in a lot of hard work with training and stuff.

As long as I can keep on two wheels and keep my head down, I’d love to repeat 2010 for sure.