After nearly two decades of grit, glory, and desert dominance, Alice Springs local and five-time Tatts Finke Desert Race champion David Walsh has officially called time on his professional racing career.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest riders to ever tackle the iconic Finke track, Walsh confirmed his retirement ahead of the 2025 event, closing the chapter on a remarkable legacy that includes nine podium finishes and five consecutive victories from 2019 to 2024. His dominant run matched the long-standing streak set by Randall Gregory in the 1990s and placed him just one title shy of Toby Price’s record six wins.
Growing up in Alice Springs, Walsh’s connection to Finke ran deep. “It was always Christmas in June for me,” he said. “Growing up watching and camping trackside, I knew I wanted to race.” That childhood dream became reality in 2007 when he first lined up at the start. Over the years, his intimate knowledge of the brutal 226 km course – littered with whoops, sand, and rock – helped him rise to the top of Australia’s toughest off-road event.
In a heartfelt message announcing his retirement, Walsh reflected on his journey. “What a wild ride it has been over the past 16 years of racing. I never thought I could win the Finke Desert Race, let alone five in a row,” he said. “I’ve had incredible sponsors and people in my corner to help achieve everything that I have. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and I’m excited to move on to another chapter – experiencing Finke with my family, finally getting to enjoy the fun of watching and camping like I did in my childhood.”
While stepping back from racing, Walsh won’t be far from the action. He’s now working with the newly formed STE KTM Racing Team, assisting up-and-coming riders including Callum Norton and his cousin Liam Walsh. “I’ve known Jason [Stewart] for a while and have been teammates with Callum in the past, so I knew it was going to be a great group of people,” Walsh explained. “I’ve been helping the guys out with setup and lending some advice I’ve learned over the years. To combine STE and KTM, who have been an unbeatable force out here in the desert, is really massive.”
KTM Group Australia Motorsport Manager Kyle Blunden paid tribute to Walsh’s impact. “David has been a cornerstone of our desert racing efforts and a true KTM ambassador,” he said. “As he now focuses on family and his growing business, AusCon NT, we’re grateful he’ll continue to support the STE KTM Racing Team at this year’s Finke.”
As the 2025 Finke Desert Race approaches, attention now turns to the next generation, with Norton and Liam Walsh set to carry the KTM banner forward. But no matter who claims this year’s “King of the Desert” title, David Walsh’s place in Finke folklore is forever etched in the red dust.
