Finke Desert Race set to run in 2021 despite latest outbreak

The 2021 Finke Desert Race is set to go ahead on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, but organisers are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Victoria.

With the famed off-road race cancelled last year due to the pandemic, organisers have been working tirelessly to ensure the 2021 edition is the best one yet.

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Over 750 competitors have signed up for the race, which is often referred to as ‘Bathurst of the Desert’. It is the Northern Territory’s biggest annual sporting event.

Event organisers have welcomed new partners for 2021 and beyond, including Red Bull, Method Wheels, and Sportsnet Holidays, who all join naming rights sponsor Tatts.

The arrival of new sponsors means that the Finke Desert Race will offer record prize money to competitors in 2021. As well as the usual prize money for the race itself, including $10,000 each for the bike and car winners, organisers will also offer a total of $7500 in prizemoney to the prologue winners. Method Wheels will also supply wheelsets to various winners.

While organisers are optimistic of a green light for the 2021 race, the situation in Victoria is creating some headaches. Currently, Greater Melbourne and Bendigo are considered COVID-19 hotspots in the Northern Territory. The Victoria-wide lockdown, which will last until at least June 9, has also left many entrants and spectators unable to travel to the NT for the event.

The Finke Desert Race office has been ‘overwhelmed with enquires’ from concerned competitors, but a statement from Finke President Anthony Yoffa reminded everyone that the COVID-19 situation in Victoria was ‘beyond our control’.

Due to fears of COVID-19 breaking out in the surrounding indigenous communities, the organisers are taking extra precautions. Only competitors, crew and volunteers will be allowed in the race camp at Apatula, while every interstate traveller is also required by law to complete a Border Entry Declaration form.

With the Victorian situation changing rapidly, organisers are closely monitoring the outbreak, however plans are still in place for the event to proceed as normal.

Born in 1975, the Finke Desert Race is one of the most prestigious off-road races in Australia. It involves competitors in both car and bike categories riding approximately 220kms from Alice Springs south to the small community of Apatula (aka Finke), before making the return trip the next day.

Last year was the first time in the event’s history that it didn’t run. The last edition, in 2019, saw local rider David Walsh take out the motorcycle title for KTM.

The 2021 Finke Desert Race is set to take place from June 11-14.