2018 Finke Desert Race preview

Australia's greatest off-road event, the Finke Desert Race, will be held for the 43rds time in the Northern Territory this Queen's Birthday long weekend (June 9-11), where over 400 motorcyclists will attempt to make the 460km return journey from Alice Springs to the outback community of Finke.

After sitting out last year’s event, Toby Price returns in 2018 on a KTM 500 EXC-F and is the hot favourite to make it six wins in the iconic race.

The 30-year-old from Singleton, who finished third in January's Dakar Rally, will again attempt the Iron Man double in the desert as he’s also entered in the car category.

"Everything is going really well at this point and I am pumped to be back on two wheels with the North Star Pastoral KTM Desert Racing Team out here at Finke,” said Price. “The lead-up has been positive, an important time for testing after missing last year's race, so I feel comfortable and have a good set-up now – it's just a matter of getting that time in going up and down the track.

“We're looking forward to day one! It's definitely different to rally, being full-gas and wide-open at your limit for around two hours, so you have to stay on top of your game and it is definitely a challenge that we're ready for in going for win No. 6 at Finke."

Other than Price, Ben Grabham (Beta RR 480) is the only other rider in the 2018 field who has won the Finke before, with his successes coming in 2007-2009 and 2011. Price took his maiden win in 2010, and then victories followed in 2012 and from 2014-2016.

Six of last year’s motorcycle top 10 will return to the Finke in 2018, including second and third placegetters Ivan Long (Husqvarna FE450) and Luke Hayes (500 EXC-F). Tragically, 2017 Finke champion Daymon Stoke passed away in a crash earlier this year.

2018 FINKE DESERT RACE ENTRY LIST

The prologue will be held on June 9, and then on June 10 competitors complete the opening 260km leg to Finke before returning on the following day.

The Finke Desert Race started in 1976 as a ‘there and back’ challenge for a group of local motorcycle 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 ’80s, with the old tracks being pulled up, the race continues along its original course.

For all the information you require about the event, including camping options, click here.