Source: KTM.

KTM Off-Road Racing Team’s latest signing Tye Simmonds will make his official desert racing debut this weekend in the annual Deep Well Motocross event near Alice Springs.

Simmonds will join KTM desert racing teammate and defending event champion Ivan Long in the unique event that will see 40-degree-plus temperatures, while Toby Price sits out the weekend following his stellar Dakar Rally podium.

“I got to ride the first 70km of the Finke track yesterday and she is a different kettle of fish that’s for sure,” Simmonds said. “I definitely had a ball. Me and Grabbo just went out side-by-side and he let me know about all the hairy spots – it was fun and enjoyable that’s for sure.

“I’d never heard of the Deep Well Motocross until Grabbo told me late last year that he was going up to help Ivan and I just asked if I could do it. I know it’s going to be pretty hot, but it’s good fitness and training and new scenery, so it is an unreal trip for me. Just getting my feet wet and seeing what it’s all about.

“I’m not too concerned; I know I’m not 100 percent where I need to be yet with my fitness, but we are getting closer to where we need to be so we’ll just go out and take it as it comes.”

Simmonds has also taken the opportunity to do some pre-running on the Finke track, as preliminary preparation for his debut ride in the famous Finke Desert race later in the year.