Ben Grabham is currently preparing to tackle the 2013 Finke Desert Race once again after missing last year’s event while sidelined due to injury.

The HSE Motorex KTM Off-Road Team rider, a four-time winner of the race, is returning from severe spinal injuries sustained in a freak accident over one year ago.

The world-famous event, which Grabham uses the Bathurst 1000 to compare the atmosphere with, spans over two days across 440 kilometres of outback from Alice Springs south to the small Aputula (Finke) community and back home again.

“Finke is a huge week and a half,” said Grabham. “I’m from Bathurst and the closest I thing can relate it to is the 1000.

“They’ll get 10,000 to scrutineering alone and there’ll be another 9000 people camping and spectating in the first 70 kilometres,that’s how keen people are to see the 500 bikes and 120 of the fastest buggies you’ve ever seen.”

Grabham was forced to undergo complicated surgery following his 150 kilometre per hour collision with a mob of kangaroos during the Condoblin 750 early last year and admits that he may be more now be cautious in some areas.

“This time last year I was in a brace so I’m very happy to be back,” he added. “I’ve done everything I can so where that puts me I guess we’ll find out.

“Physically I’m even stronger and fitter than before but once you’ve been snapped in two and welded back together you can get cautious in places. We’ll see. You never know what can happen when the light turns green.”

Ben Grabham will join Victorian desert racer Matt Fish in a two-pronged assault as KTM attempts a fifth straight win in Australia’s iconic desert race to be held over the upcoming Queen’s Birthday weekend.