Entries opening for Finke Desert race as fans urged to ‘book now’ so they’re not ‘without a place to stay’

An iconic desert race is returning to the Red Centre in 2025, and organisers are urging punters to get prepared early so they don’t miss out. Find out why.

Spectators have gathered to watch competitors tackle day one of the 2024 Tatts Finke Desert Race. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Preparations are well underway for the Territory’s hottest race of the year, with punters already urged to book accommodation so they aren’t “left without a place to stay”.

Entries to the 2025 Finke Desert Race are opening on Tuesday, February 4 for motorcycles, with car entries opening a month later on Tuesday, March 4.

The race will be returning to Alice Springs and the Red Centre on the Kings Birthday long weekend, June 6 to 9.

Race president Antony Yoffa said first timers are more than welcome to have a crack at the race on a bike – granted they’ve completed one open event that has been sanctioned by the relevant top body.

Action from Day 1 of the 2024 Finke Desert Race.

“There’s a bit of misinformation getting around when it comes to qualifying for Finke – particularly among bike riders,” he said.

“We’re here to remind people wanting to enter on a bike, if you haven’t raced Finke before, you just have to have raced an open event that was sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia within the last five years.

“People can check with their local clubs and events they’ve previously raced to see if they qualify.”

With the race set to turn 50 in 2026, Mr Yoffa said many entrants “who have no participated in recent years” will be using the 2025 race as “as a strategic preparation” for the big milestone race.

“This approach will allow them to re-engage with the race under less competitive conditions before the anticipated high participation in the 50th anniversary event,” he said.

David Walsh was crowned King of the Desert for the fifth time at the 2024 Tatts Finke Desert Race. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Crown Plaza Lasseters general manager Craig Jervis urged punters looking to come to Alice Springs during the race weekend to “book early” to ensure they get accommodation.

Driver Beau Robinson and navigator Shane Hutt were given the King of the Desert title after winning the 2024 edition of Finke. Picture: Gera Kazakov

“With the event growing in popularity each year, especially with the upcoming 50th anniversary on the horizon, waiting until the last minute could leave you without a place to stay in Alice Springs,” he said.

Last year, David Walsh was crowned King of the Desert on a bike for the 5th time, while first time entrant Madi Healey was crowned queen when she was the first female to cross the line on a motorcycle.

Long time entrant Beau Robinson took out the vehicle category for the first time, while Supercars legend Craig Lowndes also gave the race a crack last year.

Finke entries open 9.30am Central Standard Time, and can be made online.

Originally published as Entries opening for Finke Desert race as fans urged to ‘book now’ so they’re not ‘without a place to stay’