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Empire Motorsport's Kawasaki racer Will Price has returned from a major ankle injury to bank an impressive top-five result in the E1 class in rounds nine and 10 of the Australian Off-Road Championship at Kingston SE.

Despite only being back on his Kawasaki KX250 for two weeks, the 21-year-old Price braved the howling wind and squally showers to bank fifth in the class on Saturday. He finished the day with his best-ever outright result in 13th.

The Sunday tests were technical and rutted. The tricky conditions coupled with limited bike time, saw the Ballarat local negotiate his way to a hard-fought seventh in the E1 classification.

“It was so good being back at the races. It was pretty challenging as my first race back after rupturing three ligaments in my ankle,” Price reflected. “I really enjoyed the Saturday tests and I focused on trying to stay consistent all day."

“I lack a bit of bike fitness and I struggled in the rutted, technical tests. Protecting my ankle was also in the back of my mind as it is still pretty fresh, but we soldiered on!"

“Considering Will has been off the bike since Hattah, we are happy with the pace he showed," added Empire Kawasaki off-road team manager Stelios Liakopolous.

“Conditions were varied all weekend, but he was able to take it in his stride and show some good form. We intend to head to Wynyard for the final two rounds and finish the season strongly, then begin planning our program for next year.”

2022 Australian Off-Road Championship Rds 9-10 Kingston SE

E1 round nine results: 1. Kyron Bacon 2. Cooper Sheidow 3. Korey McMahon 4. Blake Hollis 5. Will Price (Empire Kawasaki)

E1 round 10 results: 1. Kyron Bacon 2. Korey McMahon 3. Cooper Sheidow 4. Blake Hollis 5. Jeremy Carpentier 7. Will Price (Empire Kawasaki)