This post is dedicated to our friend Nigel Harris – a wonderful person, photographer and friend. Sadly, Nigel was killed when struck by a competition vehicle. Thank you for your kindness and friendship in the short time we knew you.
Click here for the Finke Desert Race Galleries
11 June 2021
After another cold night, we packed up and headed out to the Finke Desert Raceway because today is Scrutineering. We think this is one of the best days of the 4 days of Finke Fun. We met Terry again and learnt some tips from him. It was a great day. Our friend David also was able to organise Toby Price 487 sweat tops for us. So cool! By 8 pm, the event had become hugely crowded so we headed off to camp next to the Prolog track for the night.
12 June 2021
Prolog starts early with all car and buggy drivers doing a loop before each gets to tackle the course on their own. We certainly got a taste of the dust to come.
By 11 am it was time to pick up and move down the track for days 1 and 2 of the event. We found a spot by the track, about 85 km south of the race start line. By sunset, the gentle breeze barely moved the dust stirred up by other campers seeking out camping vantage points.
13 June 2021
Day 1 of the official Finke Desert Race 2021. 7 am presented us with a colourful sunrise and a layer of cloud.
Steve and I then settled into our chosen spots for the first 20 or so racers to appear. By 10 am, I headed back to lock myself inside the truck as the dust was crazy thick. Steve soldiered on. By Lunchtime the first of the motorbikes arrived. The skills these guys have is nothing but incredible. By early afternoon we received a light dusting of rain, that settled the dust for an hour or so.
14 June 2021
Left our camp on the Finke this morning after watching the first 20 cars and buggies head back into Alice Springs. As we had camped close to the Hugh River Stock Route we used this to avoid using the race service track whilst it was still running. It felt good to be back on a road in reasonable condition compared to our recent trips up and down the Finke Road. Alison also wanted to see her friend Mianne who had arrived in Alice Springs on her way north for winter. Also, Mianne makes the best coffee, so yum! Additionally, we were keen to catch up with Nigel and see what he had captured over the last 4 days.
15 June 2021
Went to town today to stock up for a trip into the West MacDonnell Ranges. Still have not caught up with Nigel and the reality of this sunk in just after lunch when Facebook had a post about the spectator who was killed, an event that cancelled the return trip for the bike riders from Finke to Alice. We now know why Nigel had not returned to camp. He was the race casualty. I must admit crying a lot and being shocked! It could have been so many other people, but it is so different when it’s your friend!
To See the Finke Desert Race Galleries – Click Here
