Tatts Finke Desert Race legend and Alice Springs local, David Walsh (#X94) has returned to Australia’s most iconic off-road race and claimed top honours at the 50th edition of the event.
Now a six-time King of the Desert, David equals Toby Price’s record of six wins in the bike category.
His 2026 victory may be considered one of his most impressive having switched to Honda this year, after he gave the manufacturer their first win since 2013.
David rode into Alice Springs to the cheers of fans and his own family, an entrance highly deserved for a rider who has made Tatts Finke Desert Race history on multiple occasions in its 50 years.
Completing the return journey from Aputula / Finke to Alice Springs today, David held onto his sizable margin over the field, finishing in an overall time of 3 hours, 49 minutes and 27 seconds.
“It’s been a crazy weekend. I am just really happy to get home in one piece and get to see my beautiful family.” David Walsh said.
“Hats off to my teammate Corey Hammond who rode like hell yesterday.
“[The result] is a testament to all the work that has gone in behind the scenes, it’s an incredible bike and everything about it has a been wicked. I am certainly feeling my 36 years of age.”
Campbell Hall (#2) pushed to close the gap to David Walsh, across the 226km return journey, however had to settle for back-to-back second places in the Tatts Finke Desert Race.
His full-effort ride kept the pressure on David in-front but he ultimately arrived 6 minutes and 7 seconds in arrears at Alice Springs.
“It feels good to get second. I had a few sketchy moments, the whole track is tough but we are here now.” Campbell Hall said.
“It is my biggest race throughout the year and it means a lot for me to get on the podium again and keep the ball rolling to the Hattah hopefully.”
“It’s my third year and I am only twenty so I have plenty of years to get a win soon.”
To join David in the family celebrations, cousin Liam Walsh (#T98) finished in third place, his best finish at the Tatts Finke Desert Race after failing to start last year due to a pre-race injury.
Liam Walsh finished 10 minutes and 9 seconds behind the leaders, on a KTM 500SFX.
“Pretty emotional at the moment, eight weeks ago I didn’t think I would be racing but we got it done.” Liam Walsh said.
“This was a dream of mine growing up and to be on the podium with my cousin is amazing.”
Brothers Kodi (#5) and Levi Stephens (#7) finished in fourth and fifth respectively, making it four KTM’s in the top five at the 50th edition of the Tatts Finke Desert Race.
Madison Healey (#999) successfully claimed her third Queen of the Desert title, battling through the field on both days to retain her crown.
