CAR COMPETITOR ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS 2026
HOW TO ENTER
The 2026 Tatts Finke Desert Race entry process is divided into different sections, each opening to specific competitor groups. Car EOI holders will open from 9am (ACST) and close at 5pm (ACST) on Wednesday 26 November 2025. It is important to note this entry window will only be open for 8 hours. If you miss this window, you will not be able to enter until general entries open on Friday 28 November 2025.
ENTRY OPENING DATES
Car EOI Holders – Wednesday 26 November 2025, 9am to 5pm (ACST)
Who can enter: Car Expressions of Interest (EOI) only
If you submitted an EOI for a car entry, you will receive login credentials via email to access the entry portal. These will be sent out to you via email no later than Wednesday 19 November 2025.
If you miss this entry opportunity, but then decide you want to enter, your link will not be reactivated until 9am (ACST) on Friday 28 November 2025 when general entries open.
General Entries – Friday 28 November 2025, 9am (ACST) to Friday 22 May 2026, 5pm (ACST)
Who can enter: Those who were not able to enter in any of the other entry sections.
The entry portal will be open to all other entrants under the car competitor section of the website.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE YOU ENTER
- Entries are accepted on a first-in, best-dressed basis
- There are maximum field numbers – once reached, entries will go to a waitlist in the order they are received
- Entries are NON-TRANSFERRABLE
- Do NOT forward your entry link to anyone else; it will only work for the entrant named.
- Make sure your contact details (email, phone, address) are current and accurate
- Check your email and SMS regularly for important updates
- The event is not responsible for missed communications due to incorrect contact details or spam filters
COMPLETING YOUR ENTRY
When you access the entry portal, you will need to provide:
- Competition class selection
- Preferred race number
- Machine details
- Number of previous Finke races you've competed in
- Whether this is your first Finke
- Acknowledgement that you have read and understood the supplementary regulations
Note: If you're entering through the EOI holder section, your personal details (name, phone, address, email) will be pre-populated and locked – you cannot change these details in the system.
ENTRY FEES
Standard Entry (General Entries) Full entry fee applies (entry fee amounts are yet to be announced and are expected to be marginally higher than 2025)
EOI Entry: Full entry fee minus $100 EOI payment
PAYMENT AND CONFIRMATION
Once you complete your entry form and payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email advising whether you have:
- Secured an official entry, OR
- Been placed on the waitlist
WAITLIST PROCESS
If the maximum field capacity (200) is reached when you enter, you will automatically be placed on a waitlist. Waitlisted entrants maintain their first-in, best-dressed position and will be contacted if a spot becomes available.
WITHDRAWALS AND REFUNDS
Withdrawal Deadline: Friday 22 May 2026
Official Entrants:
If you withdraw by the deadline, you will receive a refund minus a $250 administration fee.
If you do not withdraw by the deadline, you will not receive a refund.
Waitlisted Entrants:
- If you withdraw by the deadline: Full refund (no administration fee)
- If you remain on the waitlist after entries close: Full refund automatically processed
No entries will be accepted after the final close date being Friday 22 May 2026.
REMINDERS
EOI Holders will receive reminder communications before the EOI entry section opens:
- Email reminder: One week before
- Email and SMS reminder: One day before
Make sure your contact details are up to date so you don't miss these important notifications!
QUESTIONS?
For more information about the entry process, please visit the official Tatts Finke Desert Race website or contact the Race Secretary
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Finke Desert Race Inc takes no responsibility for communications not received due to:
- Incorrect or out-of-date contact details
- Emails being filtered into junk/spam folders
It is your responsibility to ensure your contact information is current and to check your junk mail folders regularly.
If you have not received your entry link before your Phase opens, contact the office immediately on (08) 8952 8886 or
Have you read the Supplementary Regulations and Motorsport Australia Manual? Most questions can be answered from these.
What’s On the Entry Form
Primary Contact
Address
Email Address
Mobile
Driver, Co-Drive, Nav & Nav 2 Names
Car Class
Car Make, Model, Year, CC
Entry Requirements
MSA Licence Details (optional)*
Valid Credit Card Details
*You do not need to have your MSA licence details when you initially enter, these can be entered after.
Confirmation of your entry and details to login and complete the online entry form will be emailed to you, this may take up to a week.
Entry Requirements
If you are unsure if you will meet the entry requirements contact Motorsport Australia to clarify.
Call 1300 883 959 or email
Pre-Running
The Finke Desert Race track is an open and public road every day of the year and is only closed on the Sunday and Monday of event weekend. For the remaining time, only vehicles that are registered and able to be registered (ATV or UTVs with special registration in other states are NOT applicable in the Northern Territory). To check your registration is valid in the Northern Territory, please visit www.mvr.nt.gov.au or call 1300 654 628.
Prologue Track Access
Competitors may walk or ride pushbikes around the prologue track during designated times. These times will be published nearer the event.
Finke Camp Ground
Facilities at Apatula community (Finke) are extremely limited. There are toilets located in the camp ground but no showers are available. The General Store is open for business on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. There is basic food supplies, opal unleaded and diesel fuel available. This is very limited mobile service.
The entire race camp is a dry zone and consumption of alcohol is prohibited. This includes within the community and on both banks of the Finke River.
