Organisers of the Finke Desert Race have revealed last year's event ran at a $50,000 loss, as concerns grow over the sustainability of the iconic off-road motorsport event into the future.
Key points:
- There has been a decline in entries for the there-and-back desert race in recent years
- Cost of living pressures and concerns over crime in Alice Springs are believed to be behind the low numbers
- Motorsport legend Toby Price is not expected to return to defend his title at Finke 2024
As bike entries open for Finke 2024, organisers have blamed cost of living pressures and concerns over crime in Alice Springs for a decline in sign-ups for the Red Centre event.
Finke 2023 saw 460 riders and drivers line up at the start line, down from 550 the previous year.
"When you've got 90 fewer riders, they bring seven people each on average — that's 600 people that didn't come to Alice Springs, that didn't spend $1,500 each" longtime Finke president Antony Yoffa said.
"That has a significant impact on the amount of money that's spent in town and on our overall financial position."
Mr Yoffa also all but confirmed racing legend and major drawcard Toby Price would not be returning for Finke 2024.
Price, a nine-time King of the Desert, has been contacted for comment.
Anniversary may hamper upcoming races
In 2026, the Finke Desert Race will celebrate its 50th anniversary, which is expected to draw strong interest from revheads across the country.
But Mr Yoffa said race numbers could take a hit in the two events leading up to it, particularly in the 25-35 age group.
"I think some people will just make the decision [and say], 'Look, it's only two years away — let's save our money. We've endured 13 interest rate rises, maybe we'll give it a break until then'," he said.
"As people get a bit older and with children and with the travel … and with so many other options available, it might be an every second or third year thing.
"So whilst we have a broad family, we don't necessarily have a lot coming at once, and that is an issue in terms of long-term sustainability if that trend continues."
The legendary event, dubbed Australia's toughest off-road race, has faced growing scrutiny over safety after a 60-year-old man died in 2021 when a competing trophy truck veered off the track into a group of spectators.
The NT coroner last year handed down her findings into the death, recommending that prior to granting approvals, the state government must ensure adequate spectator safety measures have been implemented.
Tourism body optimistic
Tourism Central Australia chief executive Danial Rochford said despite challenges across the tourism sector, he remained optimistic about the future of Finke.
"There's no doubt there's still headwinds out there and events like Finke are facing those, and all our events are facing those, so it's going to be a challenge," he said.
"But [Finke] is a great event, it's such an iconic part of our event calendar.
"We will rally behind the hardworking committee and all our hardworking event committees to make sure that this event is kept strong and will be here for many years into the future."
He said having more flight routes into Alice Springs since the start of COVID-19 pandemic was helping strengthen the outlook for the upcoming season.