MEDIA RELEASE: 23 JANUARY 2025
The Tatts Finke Desert Race organising committee has announced entry dates for the iconic 2025 desert race, with motorcycle entries opening Tuesday 4 February and car entries following on Tuesday 4 March.
Race President Antony Yoffa expects competitor numbers similar to 2024, noting many racers are already planning their approach to the milestone 50th anniversary event in 2026.
“Several former top 50 competitors who have not participated in recent years are planning to use the 2025 event as a strategic preparation for our milestone 50th anniversary in 2026,” Mr Yoffa said. “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.”
With bike entries opening in under two weeks, the committee is urging potential bike competitors to ensure they have the necessary preparations in place before entries open, particularly regarding licensing requirements. For first-time bike competitors, participation in an open event before the end of April 2025 is essential.
“There’s a bit of misinformation getting around when it comes to qualifying for Finke – particularly amongst bike riders,” Mr Yoffa explained. “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.”
First-time competitors are encouraged to verify their eligibility through their local clubs and past racing history to ensure they meet the qualification requirements. The community of Alice Springs are eagerly anticipating the return of competitors and spectators for the 2025 event.
“The Tatts Finke Desert Race isn’t just a race — it’s a major economic boost for Alice Springs and Central Australia,” Mr. Yoffa emphasised. “Annually, the race generates over $8 million for our regional economy, with competitors, support crews, spectators, and media creating substantial revenue across local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to service stations and retailers. Beyond economic impact, the event creates jobs, amplifies tourism, and demonstrates our region’s capability to host world-class motorsport competitions.”
With accommodation and vehicle hire typically in high demand during race week, organisers strongly recommend early bookings to avoid disappointment. “As a long-standing sponsor of the Finke Desert Race, we know firsthand how quickly accommodation fills up during race week,” said Craig Jervis, General Manager of Crown Plaza Lasseters, who manages a number of accommodation places in Alice Springs.
“Our advice to competitors, support crews, and spectators is simple: book early. 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.”
Entries will open at 9.30am (Central Standard Time) on the official event website finkedesertrace.com.au.
The Tatts Finke Desert Race is held annually on the King’s Birthday long weekend with 2025 taking place from 6 to 9 June.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact the Finke office on (08) 8952 8886.
