Motorsport Australia to issue Finke Desert Race permit

The iconic Finke Desert Race has overcome a major hurdle as it seeks to secure the necessary permits to run on the famous Alice Springs course.

Motorsport Australia, the governing body for car racing in Australia, has stated that it intends to issue the permit required for the Car section to run, pending approval from the board and the implementation of specific safety measures. The announcement follows a period of uncertainty about the race's fate.

While the exact nature of the safety measures will be outlined in the coming weeks, a statement from Motorsport Australia revealed a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate spectator behavior.

"Organisers will have no option but to stop the race should spectators fail to follow the instructions of officials and event staff," the statement read.

Motorcycling Australia has already committed its support to the Bike section, but the possible absence of the four-wheel category could present financial and personnel issues. Competitors, crew, officials, event sponsors and contractors were initially left in limbo as the drama plays out with less than a month until the two-day race is scheduled to start.

“The Finke Desert Race Committee hopes to reach a resolution soon,” the organisers said in a statement. “The outcome of the final decision will be communicated as soon as possible.”

The uncertainty comes after the completion of the coronial inquest into the death of spectator, Nigel Harris, in 2021. The passionate photographer died when he was hit by a competing four-wheel vehicle after it lost control and left the track.

According to ABC News, the inquest revealed that a number of safety recommendations were not acted upon in the years prior to the fatality.

Following the 2021 event, the Finke Desert Race organisers made a number of changes to its regulations including mandatory previous experience for competitors and a number of spectator-free zones.

The 48-year-old event sees competitors tackle a 230km course that traverses challenging desert terrain and a number of large rural properties between Alice Springs and Aratula. The race regularly attracts more than 10,000 spectators, many of whom camp along the remote 230km course.