Factory Honda’s return to the Finke Desert Race in 2026 will be driven by a clear focus on people, preparation and performance, with the Japanese manufacturer fielding a full factory team for the first time since 2018 and assembling a line-up capable of challenging for outright honours in the event’s milestone 50th running.
Widely regarded as the toughest off-road race in Australia, the two-day journey from Alice Springs to Aputula and back has long been a cornerstone of the sport, and Honda’s renewed factory presence signals a serious and calculated push to add to its record 20 outright victories.
Honda Australia Vice President Peter Singleton said the decision to return was both timely and purposeful, explaining that Finke has always been an enormous event for the brand, spanning generations of machinery and playing a key role in showcasing its off-road capability. He noted that while Honda had stepped away from a full factory effort in recent years, it remained involved through riders like Brodie Waters, and with the significance of the 50th anniversary and Honda’s global motorsport commitment, “it was important to return with a strong, focused effort… supporting one of Australia’s most iconic events, its best riders, while also demonstrating our confidence in Honda’s off-road RX platform.”
At the centre of that effort is a formidable rider group led by reigning champion Corey Hammond, five-time winner David Walsh, and outright podium finisher Brodie Waters, three riders bringing a blend of current speed, experience, and intimate knowledge of the desert.
Hammond, who further developed his understanding of the Honda platform during Baja competition last year, made it clear his decision to join the program was built on belief, stating, “The Honda is incredibly strong. I wouldn’t have made the move if I didn’t believe in the bike and the program,” while adding that Honda’s global success and encouraging testing had reinforced his confidence.
Walsh returns after a year away and immediately recognised the strength within the team environment, explaining, “I told the team I wanted to ride the bike, so they drove it up and let me test it. I can see why Brodie has been so competitive on it,” before highlighting the culture behind the program. “What impressed me most is the approach, there’s no ego. I told them what we needed and they were immediately on board. With the people around this program, it’s clear the goal is to win,” he said, adding that he would love to be the rider to deliver Honda its first Finke victory since 2013.
Waters, who continues to play a dual role as both rider and key technical contributor, pointed to the progress already made and the strength of the collective, noting, “The bike is good, we were nearly second last year before a crash took us out of contention. We have a very strong group of riders and Honda is sparing no effort,” while acknowledging the level of competition they expect to face.
The program will be led by experienced off-road campaigner Colan Ross, who emphasised a structured and disciplined approach to the campaign. He said his priority is ensuring Waters can focus on racing despite his technical capabilities, adding, “Our approach is simple, assemble the most experienced people possible and let them do the job they’re best at… from the riders to the technicians and crew, everyone knows their role. We will be prepared, we will be organised, and our goal is clear: to win.”
Honda Racing Australia Director Yarrive Konsky echoed that sentiment, outlining the deliberate nature of the team build. “The first call I made after Honda confirmed they wanted to compete was to Colan. His experience and success at Finke is unmatched,” Konsky explained, before detailing how the rider line-up came together. “Then we spoke with Brodie about our plans, and from there we went straight to David and Corey. We didn’t talk to anyone else, we had a clear plan and committed fully to it… when the best people come together with a focused goal, great things can happen and that’s exactly what this program is about.”
Supporting the factory effort is naming partner Peter Kittle Motor Company, bringing a deeply personal connection to the event and the Northern Territory. Established nearly 40 years ago, the business has grown into one of Australia’s most respected automotive groups, and for Andrew Kittle, the partnership is about far more than branding. “What a great story this is, Honda, returning, David Walsh returning, and the ambition behind the program,” he said, revealing the team will also showcase a throwback logo to celebrate the 50th running of Finke and the company’s own journey.
Kittle also reflected on his family’s history with the race, explaining that his father competed in the original 1976 event and stood on the podium in 1979, before later achieving strong results in cars. He added his own experiences navigating to wins in 2008 and 2009 and a second-place finish alongside his brother in 2011, saying, “Finke is a part of who we are and has shaped how we approach life and business,” before concluding, “We love the event, the atmosphere and the challenge it presents… we see Finke as the pinnacle of Australian racing in the outback, and we’re proud to support Honda’s return.”
