2020 Finke Desert Race cancelled
The 2020 Finke Desert Race has been cancelled due to - you guessed it - the COVID-19 crisisThe Finke Desert Race has been cancelled for the first time in its 44-year history. It was due to take place from June 5-8.
A statement from the Finke Desert Race committee explained that the COVID-19 crisis, and government advice on mass gatherings, left organisers with no choice but to cancel.
Often referred to as ‘Bathurst of the Desert’, the 480km off-road race from Alice Springs to Aputula and back, was first run in 1975. It has evolved into Australia’s biggest off-road race and attracts over 10,000 spectators ever year, many of which camp along the track. It offers an annual economic boost to the isolated town of Alice Springs.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused chaos for organisations around the world, with Finke just one of many sporting events to be cancelled in recent days. The government recently advised that mass gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled or postponed to help minimise the spread of the virus.
With over 600 motorcycle competitors, 150 car competitors and thousands of crew, officials, family, friends and spectators, the possibility of the race going ahead would have been impossible should the pandemic continue through June. Travel to Aputula, an indigenous community, and the overnight stopover, has also been restricted.
Competitors will receive refunds on entry fees, although the committee warned that it could take some time to process.
The statement ended with a message for race fans, promising that, all going well, the Finke Desert Race will be back in 2021.
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