The 2020 Finke Desert Race will not be contested due to the impact of COVID-19 outbreak, with the committee tonight announcing the event will not be able to be postponed.
It will be the first time in 44 years that the event has had to be abandoned, with the organisers setting their sights on being back on track in 2021 and refunding all 2020 competitors.
Below is the official statement from the 2020 Tatts Finke Desert Race Club Committee
"The Finke Desert Race Club committee held an emergency meeting tonight to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on this year‰Ûªs Tatts Finke Desert Race.
With the limitations placed on large gatherings by the Australian Government along with Northern Territory Government advice restricting travel to remote communities; the Finke committee has decided to cancel the 2020 Tatts Finke Desert Race.
For the first time in 44 years, there will be no Finke weekend celebrated in Central Australia by locals and 7000 interstate visitors.
Postponement to later in the year was not considered an option. Therefore the next event planned is for June 2021.
The club is in the process of contacting all competitors, sponsors, volunteers, officials, suppliers and ambassadors directly. Details on refunds for competitors will be forthcoming.
This is a disappointing day for organisers and all concerned, but the decision taken is the right one. Public health is too important."
