The Tatts Finke Desert Race will remain in the same format in 2020 with organisers opting to ensure the iconic event continues to build on its strong history.

 

Taking place over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend on 5-8 June, the event will once again see scrutineering on the Friday night and prologue on Saturday before competitors begin their epic journey to Finke on the Sunday morning and return by early Monday afternoon.

 

As it has in previous years, crews will compete in the shortened eight kilometre Prologue course, before tackling the 225 kilometres down to the Aputula Community or 'Finke' as it's affectionately known to the event

 

With the return being the exact same 225km course, the 150 plus car field along with more than 500 bikes will end up doing more than 450 competitive kilometres as they look to claim the prestigious King of the Desert title for each discipline.

 

Clerk of Course Marilyn Emmins was looking forward to the event, believing that no change was necessary as competitors, officials and spectators were understandably fond of the current format.

 

“It’s great to see Finke growing in popularity. With over 150 cars and a lot of international interest , it just goes to show how well the organisation is going in putting on such a fantastic event,” Emmins said.

 

“I believe that the event is so well received because to these competitors, it’s an adventure. It’s the adventure of getting down to Finke and getting back up again.

 

“Basically Finke is Finke so there is no need to change anything because frankly, why spoil something that works? The competitors love it. Even the ones that don’t like ‘whoops’, they love the Finke whoops.

 

While every competitor gets a thrill of competing in the event and marks it in the calendar as a must do, the same goes for officials with Emmins over the moon she could once again hold the position.

 

“I am really honoured to be Clerk of Course for the Tatts Finke Desert Race,” Emmins added.

 

“For me, the event is the Bathurst of off road racing and there are so many great things about it. Just being part of it is an incredible feeling.

 

“When I got the call, it gave me a sense of purpose and I am so thrilled to be doing it again. I am really looking forward to the event.”

 

Last year saw 2016 BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Champion (AORC) Jack Rhodes finally secure the title after many years of coming so close, while rookie Josh Howells got his first ever AORC podium.

 

The Tatts Finke Desert Race once again is the second round of the championship with the Cobb and Co St George 399 to once again open the season in April.

 

Entries will open on Monday 24th February 2020 online at www.finkedesertrace.com.au.

 

The Tatts Finke Desert Race will take place on 5-8 June from Alice Springs to the Aboriginal Community of Aputula.