Finke Desert Race competitors walk away from crash after becoming airborne at 160kph
A Finke Desert Race driver and his navigator have walked away uninjured after a death-defying crash on day two of the gruelling Central Australian event.
Driver Mick Magher said he and navigator Bernie Webb became airborne about 10 kilometres north of the Finke/Aputula community early on Monday morning.
He said the trophy truck was travelling at about 160kph and the pair thought they were cruising for a drama-free drive home to Alice Springs after communications issues on day one of the race.
"We just started to settle in and took off over the crest and just floated over [the track] ," Magher said.
"The front has caught a dip on the way down and then it was just on for the ride.
"There were bits flying everywhere.
Magher said said the G-force in the cockpit was at about 17.
"The safety gear certainly did its job," he said.
"It's not something I recommend everybody try, that's for sure."
Magher said he and Webb were feeling a bit sore with some bruising.
"There's a few harness strap [bruises], so over the shoulder and the crotch straps," he said.
"Other than that, we're both surprisingly well.
Magher said he and Webb knew they had to get off the track as quickly as possible after the vehicle came to a halt.
"We both turned around, looked at each other, said, 'You're alright?'" he said.
Magher said it spectators helped move the car off the track.
"The main cage and all that is surprisingly good — it only hit end-for-end," he said.
Travis Robinson took out the prize for the car section of the race, Corey Hammond won the motorbike section and Madi Healey was awarded the Queen of the Desert title.
Magher says he is committed to contesting next year's race, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the event.
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