2014
Tatts Finke Desert Race Official Pre-Hype Trailer
- #Finke14
What
Is The Finke?
The
Tatts Finke Desert Race is an off road, multi terrain
two-day race through desert country from Alice Springs
to the small Aputula (Finke) Community. The race crosses
the Finke River, believed to be the oldest river in
the world. The race is held each year on the Queen’s
Birthday long weekend (second weekend in June). In
2011 the event will be held from Friday 10th until
Monday 13th June. “Finke” as it is known,
is now one of the biggest annual sporting events in
the Northern Territory. It is recognised as the richest
Off Road Race in Australia with the added reputation
of being one of the most difficult courses in one
of the most remote places in the world. Finke is a
unique event in that it enables people of all walks
of life to become involved. Rarely would you find
an event that has over 600 competitors racing over
a 460km course that is open to all comers, it really
is the most fun you can have with a helmet on!
There
And Back!
The
race started in 1976 as a ‘there and back’
challenge for a group of local motorbike riders to
race from Alice Springs to the Finke River and return.
After the success of this initial ride, the Finke
Desert Race was born and it has been held annually
on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend ever since.
The race is run along sections of what was the Old
Ghan Railway service track adjacent to the railway
line along a winding corrugated track, which snakes
through typical outback terrain of red dirt, sand,
spinifex, mulga and desert oaks. Even though the railway
was realigned and rebuilt in the early 80’s,
with the old tracks being pulled up, the race continues
along its original course.
King
Of The Desert
Whilst
originally the Finke was only a bike race, its increasing
popularity saw the inevitable introduction of cars
and off road buggies in 1988. A fierce rivalry developed
between the two and four wheelers, as the buggies
were keen to claim the holy grail of the race outright
winner or 'King of the Desert' as it is respectfully
known. For 11 consecutive years the bikes were too
quick for the cars despite the gap constantly narrowing.
Finally in 1999, a buggy returned home first to claim
the honour. With the bikes winning back the title
in 2000 and 2001. From 2002 until 2004 the buggies
held onto the 'King of the Desert' title. In 2005
the title was changed to see two 'Kings of the Desert',
one for the cars and one for bikes, each picking up
$10,000 for their effort. Although the bikes and cars
no longer race against each other for the title, it
is always interesting to see who completes the 460km
round trip quickest.
Thank
You Alice Springs
The
people and local businesses of Alice Springs are proud
to have ownership of the Finke Desert Race. The June
long weekend and the Finke have become an institution
with outstanding community support. For three days,
it is estimated that more than 12,000 people camp
beside the racetrack, sleeping under the stars in
their tents and swags. The Finke Desert Race is organised
and run by a local committee with the assistance of
the Northern Territory Major Events Company. All committee
members are volunteers and give up an inordinate amount
of time to ensure the event is the best it can be.
Over race weekend, an estimated 300 volunteer officials
will assist with the running of the event.
