Full guide, results: Tatts Finke Desert Race held in Alice Springs from June 7 to 9, 2025
The race for the 2025 cars King of Desert at Finke is shaping up to be a family affair with the winner of the 2024 edition pipped for top spot on Prologue day by his brother. Read the latest action.
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Saturday, June 7, 1pm: The 2025 battle for the cars King of the Desert crown is shaping up to be a family affair, with the brother of the man who took last year’s title recording the fastest time in the Finke Prologue.
Beau Robinson, who was the 2024 Finke king of the desert in the car category, came second to his brother Travis in prologue day.
However, Travis Robinson, who topped the field with a time of 4:43.254 downplayed the brotherly battle after the opening exchange.
“We’re just happy to get the win for the family and for the team,” he said.
Travis said he was in a new car this year, which is a “completely different animal to anything I’ve ever driven”.
“We’re still learning,” he said.
With “plenty of lunatics” – “including my brother” – Robinson said it’s shaping up to be a tight race on Sunday, but was hopeful he and his brother can sit atop the podium again this year.
Beau wasn’t too far behind with a time of 4:47.533 beating out Boston Morgan-Horan, who completed the podium with 4:48.981.
In the bike category, Callum Norton led the pack and recorded a time of 04.46.798 to take out the prologue in the bike category.
Norton averaged 100km/h an hour around the track, two kilometres-per-hour faster than second placed Corey Hammond, who finished with a time of 04.53.694.
But Norton, looking to take the top spot at the end of race, said he could be getting up to 175km/h on the track in a bid to get the win.
“I think if I can be averaging around 120 would be ideal … that seems to be the winning speed,” he said.
Norton came second overall last year, but was feeling confident he’ll continue his success in the prologue throughout the weekend by starting from the front.
“I think it’s going to help a lot (starting at the front). It’s always dusty out here in the desert … so being able to take off in the first two guys is pretty big,” he said.
“Hopefully we can get the start and get out front.”
The race to Finke kicks off on Sunday, with cars taking off from Alice at 7.30am while the bikes will leave at 12pm.
This year’s side-by-side winner was Lachlan Bailey, who said it was his first time taking out the prologue after he “was pretty close last year”.
“I always knew the Maverick car, had the speed to be up there, but just wasn’t quite sure,” he said.
It was his eighth time racing Finke, having previously raced five times on a bike and three times in a buggy.
He said he’s aiming to finish the race with a time of around two hours this year.
Everything you need to know for Finke 2025
Friday, June 6: The Tatts Finke Desert Race roars back into Central Australia giving motorsport enthusiasts a front-row seat to one of the most daring races in the country.
Also known as ‘Australia’s Greatest Desert Race’ and one of the NT’s largest annual sporting events, it’s sure to deliver again in 2025 – with many making their way to Finke for the coveted title.
More than 500 competitors will take on the 446km between Alice Springs and Aputula (Finke) for the King of the Desert title in one of the toughest and most remote off-road challenges.
Meanwhile, more than 12,000 spectators are expected to camp along the track with the Prologue to get proceedings into gear on Saturday, followed by the race there and back on Sunday and Monday.
This year’s race will be without one of the legends of the sport with five time King of the Desert David Walsh having retired, but it sets the stage for others to take his place.
Finke Desert Race Committee President Antony Yoffa said he looked forward to welcome thousands of visitors to the Red Centre for annual event.
“I congratulate all the volunteers who have agreed to help in this year’s event; their support is critical to the success of this iconic community event,” he said.
“To all the lucky campers along the track, there in nothing like sitting around a campfire, waking to ice on your swag and then listening to the road of a trophy truck – stay safe and have a wonderful time.”
Major Events and Tourism and Hospitality minister Marie-Clare Boothby said Finke was more than just a race; it is a major tourism drawcard that put the Territory on the global stage.
“Finke is an opportunity to showcase our unique landscapes, culture, and experiences while boosting our economy,” she said.
“Last year alone, Finke contributed more than $12m to the Central Australian economy, filling accommodation, boosting local businesses, and promoting adventure tourism.
“It also creates opportunities for Aboriginal-owned enterprises and community groups in and around Aputula, who play an important role in the event’s success and cultural activations.”
For tickets, detailed course maps, and the full weekend program, visit the website at finkedesertrace.com.au
Bushfires NT Chief Fire Control Officer Tony Fuller reminded punters to remain vigilant near campfires.
“The rains in Central Australia have resulted in a lot of grass this year and even in areas previously burnt, we are seeing significant regrowth,” he said.
“In simple terms: more grass equals more fuel and an increased fire risk – fortunately the weather is not extreme, but the fuel load risk remains.”
“Do not put hazardous materials” into a campfire, do not leave fires unattended, and ensure a responsible adult is supervising the campfire.”
Last year, an explosion at a campsite along the Finke track hospitalised six people.
Five the six injured were flown to hospital in Adelaide for treatment, with an NT Health spokesperson confirming the injuries came from a “serious campfire mishap”.
“Remember to clear a wide area, four meters is the preferred distance, of all bush and flammable material around any campfire, and most importantly, extinguish all campfires no longer in use,” Mr Fuller said.
“Following these simple rules will help to ensure everyone has a great weekend and remains safe along the track.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Full guide, results: Tatts Finke Desert Race held in Alice Springs from June 7 to 9, 2025
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