Entries have closed for this years Tattersall's Finke Desert Race and there are a huge number of bike competitors who have nominated.
"The Committee imposed a limit of 500 bike competitors and this looks like being exceeded when final entries are counted this evening", said Finke President Antony Yoffa. (Bike entries have doubled since 2002)
With the race only five weeks away, car entries are still being received with an anticipated 75 cars set to enter this year. The car section of the event is once again a round of the Australian Off Road Championships (AORC).
Reigning 'Kings of the Desert' ? Hayden Bentley (cars) and Ben Grabham
(bikes) are set to return to defend their crowns. Hot on the heals of Bentley will be former Australian Number 1 off road driver and two time Finke champion Shannon Rentsch who won the opening round of the AORC in Western Australia last month.
Ben Grabham will have an elite field of riders trying to topple him with 2006 winner Ryan Branford at the top of the list. "On their day, any one of 15 to 20 riders could win this race so there is intense interest in the bike section", Mr Yoffa said.
Among a long list of notable riders competing is a relative newcomer to off road racing - AFL legend Tony Lockett. "Having Tony Lockett contest the event will enhance the profile and bring another dimension of media interest to the event".
With such a big field of entrants this year, the committee is again sourcing help from the 'Finke Army' volunteers. "In 2008, we anticipate needing 350 volunteers and now is the time for those keen to help to register their interest".
The 33rd running of the Tattersall's Finke Desert race is on the
weekend of 6th - 9th June 2008.
Anyone interested in volunteering or finding out further information about the event can visit www.finkedesertrace.com.au or contact the
office on (08) 8952 8886.
