The Auto (Car) section of the 2023 Finke Desert Race will go ahead, but only after Motorsport Australia issued a permit to do so with significant new safety measures in place.
The Bikes category of the famous race held in the Outback was not in doubt, but the presence of four wheels at the event was.
This was due to the recent conclusion of the coronial inquest into the death of a spectator at the 2021 event where there was damning evidence against both Motorsport Australia and the Finke Committee regarding their efforts to maximise or, even act on, extreme safety concerns prior to the incident.
As a result, the Auto section of the race will go ahead after a MSA permit and three major safety measures have been issued.
Spectators will be allowed no closer than 30m from the track. The minimum distance renders previously popular camping areas along the track, which are now off limits.
Landing zones, crests and rises will also have significant restrictions, while spectator exclusion zones will be set up at “high risk” corners.
The measures were outlined in a Fine Desert Race media release, which explained why they have been taken with a “zero tolerance” approach to be taken.
“The Finke Desert Race Committee has received confirmation that Motorsport Australia (MSA) will issue a permit for the Auto (car) section of the 2023 Tatts Finke Desert Race,” it read.
“The Finke Desert Race Committee takes seriously the safety of spectators and competitors, and will implement a host of specific safety measures that will enhance the safety of all attendees at the 2023 Tatts Finke Desert Race.
“This means the spectator experience at the 2023 Tatts Finke Desert Race will be different to previous years.
“Spectator safety marshals will be stationed along the length of the track to monitor spectators’ compliance with the new safety 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.
“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.
“The Finke Desert Race Committee looks forward to welcoming all attendees for a safe and successful running of the 47th Tatts Finke Desert Race, held from 9-12 June 2023 in Alice Springs.”
