Tattersall's Finke Desert RaceThe Tattersall’s Finke Desert Race is Australia’s fastest desert race for bikes, cars and buggies. Join the thousands of spectators who camp along the 235km of track from Alice Springs to Finke (Aputula Community) and is run during the Queen's Birthday weekend celebrations on the second weekend of June. 'The Finke', as it is known to locals and off road racers around the world, is Australia’s most famous and richest desert race. It has built a compelling reputation over 30 years as being both challenging and pure excitement. When speed, skill and courage may not be enough, a desire for excitement and a sense of humour are absolutely essential. The challenge is not necessarily to win, but compete and complete it. The fun and excitement comes with just being there. With thousands of corrugations, dips, washouts and rises, known colloquially ad "whoops" or "'whoopdedoos", the ingredients are there for high-speed action. The Finke is run over three days:
More than 300 motorcycles and nearly 90 cars and buggies compete each year. Two of Australian's best touring car drivers Peter Brock and Tony Longhurst competed in 1998. Four times national champion Mark Burrows is master of the car section and around Australia rally winner Bruce Garland has competed since 1989. The Finke is becoming an event for the who's who of desert racing in Australia. However, most entrants are not professional drivers or riders. The Finke is open to anyone who can muster a machine they think will take the punishment and make the distance. There are at least seven classes for both the motorcycles and cars. The people and local businesses of Alice Springs are proud to have ownership of the Tattersall’s Finke Desert Race. The June long weekend and the Finke have become an institution; it is supported to the hilt. Over 10 000 people camp for 3 days beside the entire 235 kilometres of the track, cheering on their heroes and friends who are out there having a go. The Tattersall’s Finke Desert race is organised and run by a local committee and volunteers. Cars and bikes are closely scrutinised, the track is clearly marked, and official vehicles sweep the entire length of the course after the cars and then the bikes. St John Ambulance and the Royal Flying Doctor Service is on standby, also a doctor, a Paramedic and Police Officer patrolling the route in a helicopter are constantly available throughout the race. The Tattersall’s Finke Desert Race regularly makes the evening bulletins of all major television networks over the long weekend, several documentaries have been produced and the print media has covered the event both in Australia and internationally. Tattersall's is the naming sponsor of the Finke Desert Race. The Tattersall’s Finke Desert Race - Australia’s Greatest Desert Race |