IT’S official: the car class of the 2023 Tatts Finke Desert Race will go ahead.
Event organisers tonight communicated it had received confirmation from Motorsport Australia that the necessary permit will be issued for the June 9-12 event in the Northern Territory to proceed.
While the bike class was already safe, the cars element had seemed in severe doubt following the recent completion of a coronial inquest into the death of spectator Nigel Harris in 2021.
The 2023 edition will take place only with the implementation of specific safety measures altering the spectator experience.
Spectators are now required to keep at least 30 metres away from the track at all times, meaning some previously popular camping areas will no longer be allowed.
There will also be supervised public viewpoints throughout the course, and exclusion zones at corners deemed to be high-risk.
Spectator safety marshals will be positioned along the track to enforce the new measures.
“Spectators have a significant role to play to ensure a smooth and safe running of the 2023 Tatts Finke Desert Race, and there will be a zero tolerance approach to spectators who fail to follow the new safety measures or instructions of marshals, officials, event staff and NT Police,” read part of the statement.
“The Finke Desert Race Committee once again thanks all competitors, crews, sponsors, volunteers, contractors and the Alice Springs community for their continued patience and support in the implementation of the new safety measures.
“The Finke Desert Race Committee would also like to commend the Northern Territory Government for its support of the event.”
