KTM Factory Racing’s Toby Price will have to wait another 12 months if he’s to contend for a sixth-career Finke Desert Race motorcycle victory after being ruled out of the two-wheel leg of the 2017 edition.

Price has experienced ongoing troubles with his left knee since breaking his femur at the Dakar Rally in January, finally conceding that he won’t be able to ride at Finke. However, he has confirmed an 11th-hour trophy truck entry.

The supremely talented 29-year-old will enter the Extreme 2WD Category in Alice Springs this Queen’s Birthday long weekend, looking to build upon the experience that saw him finish second in the car category last year as top-finishing trophy truck.

“It’s more so just the injury [holding me back],” Price told MotoOnline.com.au. “I’m not too worried about the bike time and I know the track well, but my left leg is not quite right at the moment and it just needs more time. At the end of the day, it could cause more dramas by racing Finke and I want to make it to Dakar in January.

“I’m trying to be a little bit smart with it, so that’s why we’re going to be in the truck. Pretty much since January the plan has been to get 100 percent for Dakar, but from October is when we will get really serious.”

Price’s trophy truck effort will go ahead with support of recently-announced backer Fulcrum Suspension, alongside Penrite Oil, BFGoodrich, Blundstone, DGI Trading, Lancaster Motor Group, Mitsubishi Motors Australia, Sharps Earthmoving, Comiskey Mining Services, Milwaukee Tools, Gearwrench, Macnaught, King Shocks, Geiser Brothers, Hendry’s Performance, Engines and CRG Designs.