Latest news with #FinkeDesertRace
ABC News
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- ABC News
Crew walk away uninjured from spectacular Finke Desert Race crash
Mick Magher and navigator Bernie Webb walk away uninjured from a spectacular crash on race day two of the Finke Desert Race 2025.
ABC News
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- ABC News
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.
ABC News
a day ago
- Automotive
- ABC News
Travis Robinson, Corey Hammond and Madi Healey claim victory at 2025 Finke Desert Race in Alice Springs
One of the world's most extreme off-road races, the Finke Desert Race, has wrapped up in Alice Springs with a tight contest that included some unexpected wins. Drivers and riders in cars, motorbikes and buggies took on the treacherous 446-kilometre round-trip to the remote community of Apatula and back over the weekend-long event in Central Australia. About 10,000 spectators flocked to the central desert, camping along the picturesque racetrack, to cheer on the competitors in their bid for victory. In the car section of the race, Western Australian driver Travis Robinson flew across the finish line just outside of Alice Springs to snatch the crown from his former reigning champion brother Beau Robinson. The younger sibling clocked a total race time of 3 hours, 24 minutes and 35 seconds, with his brother hot on his heels arriving about five minutes later. "It's just a massive accomplishment, it's something that I've wanted to accomplish my whole life and haven't been able to do," Travis Robinson said minutes after claiming the glory. His brother, a former champion, said people "try their whole life to win" Finke and never get there, hailing his brother's victory. In the motorbike section, 23-year-old Corey Hammond was first to set off on Monday's 223-kilometre home stretch and the first to cross the finish line, as the Finke's newest King of the Desert. He stormed in first for bikes with a time of 3 hours, 46 minutes. "I knew we always had a chance, obviously a bit of bad luck for a few of the top boys who crashed out," he said. "Just always believed in myself." Another major victory was that of Madi Healey, who won the Queen of the Desert title for the second year in a row. "I think the rain made it a lot rougher this year," Ms Healey said. "I was really surprised by the square edges and all of that, but my bike and fitness and all that went really well, so I'm happy with it." The NT Health Department said 43 people were treated at the Alice Springs Hospital in relation to Finke. St John Ambulance director Andrew Thomas said those injured included one man who was airlifted to Alice Springs Hospital and onto Adelaide following a severe head injury acquired during the race. "One of the retrieval doctors from the Alice Springs Hospital stationed there, along with our staff, treated him," Mr Thomas said. He said the man was knocked unconscious and may have received a traumatic brain injury.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
What's on: Barunga, Beer Can Regatta, Finke and GleNTi equals plenty of fun for Territorians
WHAT'S ON THIS WEEKEND It's arguably the fullest weekend of the year, so if I am honest, I really hope you've already got your plans sorted, Darwin. The Barunga Festival is on this weekend, which will see people pack up and head just a little way out the Central Arnhem Rd (It's far enough to play 'Let's Go' by King Stingray, for sure) to enjoy a three-day program of music, sport, and cultural events. And if you're lucky enough to be heading to the Red Centre for the adrenaline-pumping Finke Desert Race, you're in for a good time. But what if you're staying in town? Have you heard of the Over 30s Club? If it sounds lame, you're probably still in your kebab at 3am on Mitchell St era and I'm so happy for you – but if you're interested in a boogie without the late-night taxi home: The Over 30s starts at 5pm on Saturday at Discovery – and wraps up at 9pm. Delightful. For even more wholesome fun, please head to Mindil Beach on Sunday for the iconic Beer Can Regatta. This event is one of those ones that makes you look around and laugh and think 'gosh I love you Darwin'. It's equal parts chaos and hilarity – it's unpolished community spirit and classic Darwin fun. SOMEWHERE YOU NEED TO EAT If you thought I was missing something in the what's on section … don't worry – how could I miss the GleNTi. The Greek GleNTi is a huge festival where the Greek community share their culture … and amazing food, all day Saturday and Sunday. Last year we went for lunch, then came back for an early dinner to try something else, and then stayed for the Ouzo and Loukoumades, which is how I highly recommend you experience all of the food. LOCALS TIP Reminiscing about the Finke while writing this article got me thinking about Central Australia. I've been seeing a lot of love letters to Alice lately, and I also agree that there's just something about the Centre – I still can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel it every time. I think it might be something to do with the complete stillness when you stop for a moment at the top of Kings Canyon, and the feeling you get when floating above the contrasting reds and greens at sunrise. It's probably also the warm days but crisp air at night, and how fresh it feels to dive into a cold desert oasis after a day in the sun. It's the culture and the stories, learning about Arrernte country. Maybe it's the feeling when you're driving through the ranges, and every corner you turn makes you say 'wow look at that' out loud – again. So if this long weekend has you thinking about planning a trip for the next one – consider a trip south down the Stuart Highway.
