The organisers of the Australia’s ultimate desert race today announced the competitor entry open dates and criteria for the 2022 Tatts Finke Desert Race.
One of the biggest off road races in the world will see competitors in both the bike and car categories compete in the two day 226km off road event from 13-16 June 2022.
Entries will open for Bike competitors on Tuesday 1 February, 2022 and Car entries open on Tuesday 1 March, 2022.
With the reputation of being one of the most difficult off-road courses in the world, from next year, a minimum competitor driving and riding standard will be introduced to enhance the safety for all involved in the event.
In consultation with event sanctioning partners Motorsport Australia and Motorcycling Australia, event organisers have agreed to implement entry criteria for individuals to compete in the 2022 Tatts Finke Desert Race and beyond.
In another change to the 2022 event, entries will no longer be open to quad bikes due to time limitations of the race format and requirements to keep bikes and quads separate.
In the bike category, where prospective competitors haven’t competed in Finke before, they will need to have competed in another international, national or state level type of competition to satisfy organisers of their capability. A self-declaration will be made as part of the entry process.
In the car category crews must provide evidence they have race experience, having either competed at previous BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) rounds within the last 24 months, scored outright AORC points during the previous season or meet 100 points from a special points checklist – similar to an identity points system.
Outside of the above criteria, competitors can also apply for special dispensation, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis. All eligible competitors will be issued a special valid licence for the event.
Finke Desert Race President, Antony Yoffa believes the implementation of such criteria is important for the future of the race.
“We have seen our event grow in recent times and it has come to the point where it’s important to introduce an assessment for competitors,” Yoffa said. “With much larger fields of competitors and a course that is increasingly more challenging, it is no longer viable for us to simply offer a starting place to whomever applies. It’s about making sure someone new to the event has a particular level of experience and confidence.”
Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith is highly supportive of the Finke Desert Race and the implementation of the entry criteria.
“Finke is undoubtedly the biggest off road event in this country and collectively we need to keep making improvements, to make sure there is a high standard of competition taking part every year,” Smith said. “Every time a competitor races in Finke, they are putting themselves through a very rigorous event and you want to have every bit of confidence in the ability of those racing with and against you, so everyone can compete fairly and safely. Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle said they were pleased to see the new entry criteria implemented for 2022 and beyond. “The safety of competitors and all involved at motorsport events around the country is extremely important to Motorcycling Australia and we want competitors to have confidence in themselves and those around them, that they are race prepared.”
The 2022 Tatts Finke Desert Race takes place between Alice Springs and Finke on 9-13 June, 2022.
Summary of entry criteria:
BIKE CATEGORY
Online Registration will include a tick box where competitors will tick which of the following criteria they meet through self-declaration.
Audit of declarations made by competitors will be conducted by Finke Desert Race Inc in conjunction with Motorcycling Australia.
• Entrant must hold Senior National Motorcycling Australia licence as at the close of entries, and a minimum of one of the below;
• Currently compete in national off-road (AORC) or Motocross; (ProMX)
• Have recently completed other major official off-road events, example Hattah, Sunraysia, Condo 750 etc.
• Have competed in an internationally recognized rally (FIM World Rally, Dakar) ;
• Currently compete in other MA-recognised events such as state/territory off-road race series etc.
Finke first timers will need to declare this through their Online Registration. These competitors will have additional requirements to meet by the close of entries.
This policy will enviably mean no competitor should enter Finke without history of competing in other MA or FIM permitted events.
Motorcycling Australia rule 4.2.6.1 requires no two machines of a different category may compete in any Event. Due to time limitations of the race format and requirements to keep bikes and quads separate, entries will not be open to quad bikes for the 2022 Tatts Finke Desert Race.
CARS CATEGORY -Tatts Finke Desert Race special licence criteria*
(Competitors must have done at least ONE**)
• Completed a minimum of two AORC rounds within the last 24 months. OR • Have scored AORC outright points in a round of the previous season OR • Must meet 100 points from items in the points checklist.
a) 50 points, per Finke event competed at in the last five years.
b) 25 points, per AORC event competed at in the last five years.
c) 10 points, holding a current off road licence for more than three years; or
d) 5 points, holding a current off road licence for less than three years.
*Motorsport Australia reserves the right to exercise their discretion in offering an ‘Off Road Special’ licence to suitable competitors.
**Notwithstanding the Recommendation, participation may be permitted on a case-bycase basis where the individuals satisfy Motorsport Australia having demonstrated a high level of vehicle control and course awareness at two local Motorsport Australia Off Road events in the past three years.
