NEW ENTRY RULES FOR FINKE DESERT RACE

The dates for the 2022 Tatts Finke Desert Race have been set, along with new criteria for competitors.

Enacted following an accident at the 2021 race that caused the death of a spectator, competitors will now have to provide evidence of past race experience. Following consultation between Finke organisers and Motorsport Australia, minimum requirements for entry into the 2022 race’s car class now include one of the following: having competed in at least two Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) rounds within the last 24 months; OR scoring outright AORC points during the previous season; OR accruing 100 points from a special checklist, similar to an identity points system.

Intending competitors who do not meet the above criteria can apply for special dispensation to enter, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis. All eligible competitors will be issued a special licence for the event, at Motorsport Australia’s discretion.

Finke Desert Race President, Antony Yoffa believes the implementation of this new entry 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 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 supportive of Finke’s new 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.”