Motorex KTM Off Road Racing’s Chris Hollis will head into the unknown at this weekend’s Hattah Desert Race as he prepares to make a second attempt at the gruelling event.

In 2012 Hollis found himself out of the event within the first 500 metres of the race. A huge crash forced the 28-year-old to sit on the sidelines and wait for this year’s event to turn around his fortunes.

With limited knowledge to the tough circuit ahead of him, Hollis appreciates having teammate and desert racing legend Ben Grabham in his corner throughout the event.

“I was out of the race in the first 500 metres last year so I still don’t know what’s out there in the wilderness, but having Grabbo [Ben Grabham] in your corner helps a lot,” said Hollis.

After five days of testing, Hollis feels comfortable aboard his KTM 450SX-F equipped with all of the Hattah essentials including tall gearing, a larger fuel tank and a steering damper for the high speeds on rough terrain.

“I’ve switched to the 450SXF with the taller gearing, bigger tank and the steering damper,” he added. “So the last few days I’ve been testing and getting used to the speed again.

“I’ve had five good solid days in the saddle so it’s time to put the feet up now and rest for the race.”

Stay tuned to MotoOnline.com.au for updates and results from the 2013 Hattah Desert Race as they become available.