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Finke Desert Race: Everything you need to know

From the breathtaking racing to the fun festivities, here is everything you need to know about Finke Desert Race.

Todd Hazelwood talks to dad Russell about Finke Desert Race

MOTORHEADS are gearing up for one of the biggest events on the calendar: the Finke Desert Race.

Thousands are expected to descend upon Alice Springs for the iconic annual off-road event.

Finke Desert Race competitor Brock Fry said he was thrilled for the major event.

“I am so happy to cruise along and see how I go,” he said.

“I just do it for fun.”

There’s plenty of fun for all of the family at the long weekend event.

Here is everything you need to know about Finke Desert Race.

Competitor Brock Fry. Picture: Daniel Sumpton
Competitor Brock Fry. Picture: Daniel Sumpton

Finke street party and night markets

Thursday June 9, 5pm to 9pm

The Finke Street Party and Night Markets at the Todd Mall is the starter event for Finke Desert Race weekend.

The free event kicks off the Finke Desert Race weekend, featuring shows from the Freestyle FMX Crew and ALL4FMX.

Motorheads can also meed their favourite competitors.

There will be food, drinks and merchandise for purchase.

The event will be livestreamed.

Jack Rhodes roll at the chicane of the 2019 Tatts Finke Desert Race Prologue Picture: Mark Rooney
Jack Rhodes roll at the chicane of the 2019 Tatts Finke Desert Race Prologue Picture: Mark Rooney

Scrutineering Night

Friday, June 10 4pm to 9pm

Spectators can get up close and personal with the riders, drivers and their incredible machinery as competitors have their vehicles and clothing checked.

Food and drink will be available. Admission is $20 and free for under 16s.

The scrutineering is held at the start/finish line along the South Stuart Hwy.

Prologue Track

Saturday, 11 June

Competitors will race against the clock to determine their starting positions for the race.

Food and drinks are available from 11am, with cars taking off from 8am and bikes at 12pm at the South Stuart Hwy.

Admission is $15 and free for under 16s.

Race Day 1

Sunday, June 12

The race begins at the South Stuart Hwy. Cars start from 7.30am and bikes depart at 11.45am, with the quad classes to follow.

The first car is expected to arrive in Finke at 9.20am and the first bike at 1.40pm.

Competitors camp in the Aputula Community (Finke) campgrounds overnight before heading back to Alice Springs.

Food and drinks are available from the Finke Bar, open from 11am.

Admission is $10 and free for kids under 16.

Jack Dooley-McDonnell finished third in prologue in the 2019 Tatts Finke Desert Race. Picture: Matt Henderson
Jack Dooley-McDonnell finished third in prologue in the 2019 Tatts Finke Desert Race. Picture: Matt Henderson

Race Day 2

Monday, June 13

Cars depart at 7.15am and 11.45am.

The winning car is expected to cross the finish line around 9am and the bike at 1.40pm.

Track podium presentations take place after the third place competitors arrive.

Food and drinks are available from the Finke Bar, open from 11am.

Admission is $10 and free for kids under 16.

Presentation Night

Monday, June 13

Competitors who complete the event can receive their Survivor Spike at the Alice Springs Convention Centre between 5.30pm and 9pm.

Awarding of outright and class winners begin from 8pm in the main room, with the event livestreamed via the Finke Live Stream.

Tickets are $20 and free for competitors and their crew.

Food and drink is available for purchase.

Originally published as Finke Desert Race: Everything you need to know

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/finke-desert-race-everything-you-need-to-know/news-story/6a7dca1e4f7a8a89c73a45e7a7c830dc