Finke is 113nm south east of Alice Springs
25 36.00 S
134 34.00 E
From the finke desert Race website...
The Tattersalls Finke Desert Race is arguably Australia’s premier off road racing event. It has built a compelling reputation over 29 years as being both challenging and pure excitement. “The Finke” as it is known, is now one of the biggest annual sporting events in the Northern Territory. It is recognised as the richest Off Road Race in the Southern Hemisphere with the added reputation of being one of the most difficult courses in one of the most remote places in the world.
The Finke is a unique event in that it enables people of all walks of life to become involved. Rarely would you find an event that has 400 competitors racing over a 460km course that is open to all comers. It really is the most fun you can have with a helmet on!
The race started in 1976 as a “there and back” challenge for a group of local motorbike riders to race from Alice Springs to Finke and return. Finke was a small community on the Old Ghan railway line situated about 230kms south of Alice Springs. After the success of this initial ride, the Finke Desert Race was born and it has been held annually on the Queens Birthday weekend ever since.
The race is run along sections of what was the Old Ghan Railway service track adjacent to the railway line along a winding corrugated track, which snakes through typical outback terrain of red dirt, sand, spinifex, mulga and desert oaks. Even though the railway was realigned and rebuilt in the early 80’s, with the old tracks being pulled up, the race continues along its original course.
Whilst originally the Finke was only a bike race, it’s increasing popularity saw the inevitable introduction of cars and off road buggies in 1988. A fierce rivalry developed between the two and four wheelers, as the buggies were keen to claim the holy grail of the race – outright winner. For 11 consecutive years the bikes were too quick for the cars despite constantly narrowing the gap. Finally in 1999, a buggy came home first to claim the money. With the bikes winning back the title in 2000 and 2001, the rivalry is as intense as ever.
hope this helps Rotor1