Tatts Finke Desert Race – an Extreme Challenge
Posted on June 11, 2021 Tags: Tatts Finke Desert Race
Pictured above is high-profile West Aussie Shane Elphinstone. Images courtesy Motorsport Australia
Crews Ready for Off Road’s Prestigious Prize
THIS WEEKEND’S world-renowned Tatts Finke Desert Race features some 170 crews tackling more than 450 competitive kilometres across a variety of terrain – including sand, dust, rock and river – as they make the journey from Alice Springs to Finke and back.
When it comes to off road events in Australia, there are none bigger. And few more challenging locations than our rugged Northern Territory!
The three-day event marks the second round of the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship with the very best crews taking on one of the toughest challenges the remarkable Australian outback has to offer.
Many of the sport’s biggest names line up for the great race, although many crews were forced to stay home due to the NT’s COVID border restrictions with Victoria.
Press here for Finke Entry List
Headlining the entry list are the usual suspects – while international superstar Toby Price is among the most credentialled. And the one with the biggest appetite to add yet another string to his golden bow.
The wily Queenslander, pictured above, remains a key favourite as he looks to become the only driver to win the event both in a car and on a bike.
After winning Prologue in 2019 and enjoying a seven-minute lead at the end of day one, the Queenslander’s hopes of going just that one step further and winning the race on four wheels were boosted by the unveiling earlier this month of his brand-new Mitsubishi Trophy Truck.
Of course, Price has a number of other contenders within the same class to deal with – West Australian stalwart Beau Robinson keen to claim his maiden title, multiple time Finke champion David Fellows, 2017 winner Brad Gallard and 2011 Finke winner, Greg Gartner, who is looking for his first AORC title after a solid outing at the Cobb & Co St George 399.
AORC Leaders Pulling Out all the Stops
From the brute force of the trophy trucks to the powerful pro buggies – the iconic class features just as many drivers who would consider themselves a real shot to stand on the top step of the prestigious podium come Monday morning.
Current AORC leaders Josh Howells and Eric Hume, pictured above, hope to go one step better in this year’s Tatts Finke Desert Race. Image courtesy Terry Hill.
Josh picked up his first ever championship podium at this same event just two years ago. With more experience under his belt this time, he remains one of the favourites to make history as among the youngest winners.
He is joined by the likes of 2017 AORC Champion Matthew Martin who has made the jump up from Pro-lite, Brett Comiskey, Talbot Cox and another high-profile West Australian in Shane Elphinstone.
A Race full of Championship Contenders
Outside of the top classes, there are plenty of other individuals who can strike it lucky with previous champion Hayden Bentley leading the Extreme 2WD class and the SXS Turbos once again boasting the largest field of 58 drivers, including Roydn Bailey, Phill Lovett, Greg Campbell, Kye Floyd, Toby Whateley and Simon Evans.
Simon Evans, who lives in Victoria was one of the lucky few to make a two-day border dash alongside son Jackson after the NT border opened to those in regional Victoria this week.
Jackson is the reigning champion of the Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Championship, was hoping to complete Finke for a second consecutive year and was grateful to have the opportunity to do so.
Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Champ Jackson Evans.
“It has been a crazy few days, but we are on our way,” Jackson said.
“The messages of support and encouragement have been overwhelming and now we have to take a deep breath and make sure we are ready for the biggest show of the year.
“Events don’t come any cooler than Finke for everyone in Australian off-road racing and we are excited to be going back there.
“Now we just have to make the most of our opportunity – an opportunity we really didn’t think we were going to have until today.”
Jackson Evans
Live Streaming via Finke YouTube Page – CLICK HERE
The traditional Scrutineering party took place earlier today at the Start/Finish Line Precinct before cars contest Saturday morning’s all-important top spot in the Method Race Wheels Prologue.
The actual race begins Sunday morning as cars complete the first leg of their journey to Finke. On Monday the hardy contestants begin their journey back up to Alice Springs. from whence they came. And that’s where the winner of the 2021 Tatts Finke Desert Race will be crowned.
Each day of racing is live streamed via the Tatts Finke Desert Race YouTube Page and live results available through the AORC website.
My Thanks to:
Michael Stratus
Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship Media Manager
+61 435 045 015
mstratus@motorsport.org.au
EDITED by AC
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