JUNIORS PERMITTED TO RIDE AT FINKE!

In an event first, juniors aged 10 – 15 will feature at the 50^th Tatts Finke Desert Race this year, riding on the prologue track outside Alice Springs on Friday 5^th June.

The Junior Ride Event will be a non-competitive opportunity for future riders to experience the iconic desert racing conditions ahead of the traditional competition during the King’s Birthday long weekend.

Up to 100 riders will take part in 3x 20-minute group sessions from 12:00pm, riding continuous loops of the prologue circuit while spectators cheer them on ahead of the AJP Motorcycles Australia Scrutineering.

The addition of the Junior Ride Event to the program follows frequent interest in a junior showcase and provides a safe and structured introduction to the Tatts Finke Desert Race.

This new feature may also lead to the establishment of a junior competition event at Finke with event organisers keen to support junior rider pathways.

The event will be delivered under full race safety conditions, including medical support, qualified officials and controlled on-track supervision.

This historic on-track curtain raiser will be an enjoyable event for all and feature the next generation of Kings and Queens of the Desert.

Entry submissions are open now and can be submitted by the guardians of riders who are interested in participating. Information on classes, age and licensing requirements can be found at https://www.finkedesertrace.com.au/competitors/junior-bikes.

Finke Desert Race President, Antony Yoffa said “Providing an opportunity for the youngest riders at Finke to experience the event on their bikes is a highlight of the 50^th edition.

“The Tatts Finke Desert Race is such a unique event that it inspires and captures the interest of junior riders year after year, and we expect this to only grow with the addition of the Junior Ride Event.”

The 50th Tatts Finke Desert Race will run from Friday 5^th June to Monday 8^th June 2026 from Alice Springs to Aputula (Finke) and back. For more information and tickets visit finkedesertrace.com.au and iwannaticket.com.au.