Image: JA Photographics.

Champion KTM racers Toby Price and Wayde Carter have again proven a big hit with the kids at the weekend’s annual KTM Ride 4 Kids, which raises funds for Challenge – Supporting Kids with Cancer.

Taking place at the famous Wonthaggi motocross circuit, the two-day event began with a Saturday coaching clinic for 20 kids affected by cancer and run by KTM-backed coach Glenn McDonald.

Sunday’s KTM Ride 4 Kids was a volunteer-run Open practice session, which saw approximately 130 riders roll up for the privilege of turning a few laps on the famous dirt.

They also got the chance to meet Price, Carter and Matt Talty-Hopkins to have a chat and get an autograph.

KTM Australia came to the party in no uncertain terms, giving away not one, but two brand-new KTM 85 SX models, one of which was awarded to the highest fundraiser, Sam Pruscino, who raised $4466.55.

The second went into a draw containing the names of all fundraisers who had raised more than $300 and the raffle winner was Charlie Moller, who badly damaged his ‘non-orange’ bike when he crashed out of the Aussie titles recently, but now has a brand new KTM 85 SX to race next season.

The event raised approximately $33,000, from both entries and prior fund-raising of which 100 percent goes towards vital support programs for children or young adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer and cancer-related illness.

Sunday’s haul brings the total funds raised by KTM Ride 4 Kids since its inception 13 years ago to approximately $600,000.

“It was a good turnout, everyone had a good time and fund raising-wise it was a sensational effort from everyone involved,” said event organiser Matt Manning. “There were some regular attendees that I have seen for the last 5-6 years so we have a good following.

“One of the classes we had on the day was the kids from Challenge motorbike camp, who came out with Glenn McDonald leading them, and Wayde and Toby riding with them as well.

“Some were in remission, some of them were a little bit crook, and others were still in the program and undergoing treatment and some of them had hardly ridden a motorbike before, so to get them out there was pretty good!”

2014 KTM Ride 4 Kids top fundraisers: Sam Pruscino $4,466.55 (KTM 85 SX); Trent Howarth $4,300 and Hayden Smith $3,389 (also past overall highest fundraiser winner).

For more information on KTM Motorcycles, visit www.ktm.com.au or www.facebook.com/ktmaustralia.