The 2026 Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) calendar has been confirmed with an exciting four-round schedule headlining the 45th year of the Championship season.

The Championship travels to four Australian states and territories starting with New South Wales for the Pooncarie Desert Dash, which again hosts the opening round of the season on 10-12 April.

The 50th edition of the iconic Tatts Finke Desert Race enters a milestone year of its own on the 2026 calendar, taking place in its traditional timeslot on the King’s Birthday weekend on 6-8 June.

The Finke round of the AORC remains a marquee attraction on the off road calendar, with hundreds of machines and thousands of spectators expected to make the journey to Alice Springs.

The Loveday 400 takes place on 23-26 July as the setup event to the season finale at Kalgoorlie.

South Australia’s event for the season, competitors at the Loveday 400 will aim to put themselves in the best possible position to contend for a Championship glory heading into the final round.

Again rounding out the 2026 season, the Kalgoorlie Desert Race will decide who will emerge victorious as AORC Champions, as well as Class winners on 23-25 October.

Regarded as one of the most diverse and captivating events on the schedule, the Kalgoorlie Desert Race will again play host to one of Australian motorsport’s most important proceedings of the year.

Motorsport Australia’s Off Road Manager, Campbell Smith, has had positive discussions with off road stakeholders in setting up a strong season in 2026.

“After an unforgettable 2025 season that showcased incredible competition across all rounds, we’re excited to carry that momentum into 2026,” Smith said.

“With a four-round calendar, every event will take on even greater significance. Each stop on the tour offers something unique such as Pooncarie’s toughness to Kalgoorlie’s tricky course.

“We’re confident fans and competitors alike are in for another spectacular year of off road competition.”

The AORC also enters a historic 45th year, celebrating a rich history of competition and thrilling events over several decades.

Smith expressed his excitement in celebrating the milestone year.

“It is a chance to honour decades of competitiveness, unforgettable victories, and historic moments on courses across the country,” Smith added.

“From legendary battles at Finke to the grit and determination shown at Kalgoorlie, the Championship’s history is rich and inspiring.

“We’re proud to carry that legacy forward and create new memories for fans and competitors alike.”

2026 Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship Calendar

Round 1: Pooncarie Desert Dash – 10-12 April
Round 2: Finke Desert Race – 6-8 June
Round 3: Loveday 400 – 23-26 July
Round 4: Kalgoorlie Desert Race – 23-25 October