Sweeping changes introduced for Finke Desert Race 2022 as event grows in popularity

Organisers of the Finke Desert Race have introduced sweeping changes for entrants following the death of a spectator at this year’s event.

ORGANISERS of the Finke Desert Race have introduced sweeping changes for entrants following the death of a spectator at this year’s event.

From next year, for the first time, the famous off-road event will introduce minimum competitor driving and riding standards, with riders and drivers having to demonstrate they have competed in a previous Finke race or a similar event.

In another major change, quad bikes have been banned from the event entirely “due to time limitations”.

Finke Desert Race president Antony Yoffa said the implementation of the new rules was important for the future of the race.

“We have seen our event grow in recent times and it has come to the point where it’s important to introduce an assessment for competitors,” he said.

Prologue Day at the Finke Desert Race 2021. Picture: Supplied.

“With much larger fields of competitors and a course that is increasingly more challenging, it is no longer viable for us to simply offer a starting place to whomever applies.

“It’s about making sure someone new to the event has a particular level of experience and confidence.”

Entries will open for bike competitors on Tuesday February 1, 2022 and car entries open on Tuesday March 1, 2022.

The Red Centre’s two day 226km off road event will take place from June 13-16, 2022.