The Australian motorsport community is in mourning after the death of a competitor during the Northern Territory’s annual Finke Desert Race.

The competitor was riding the first leg of the race from Alice Springs to Aputula/Finke on Sunday when the crash occurred after midday, Northern Territory Police said.

Police provided first aid until paramedics arrived but the rider died at the scene.

A crime scene has been declared and crash detectives are preparing a report for the coroner.

Finke Desert Race NT Police Commander Michael Budge said the incident was a tragedy for all involved.

“Our thoughts are with the rider’s family, friends and all involved with the event at this difficult time,” he said.

Race authorities have extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to the rider’s family and friends and are providing ongoing support at both ends of the event route.

“The Finke Desert Race mourns the loss of a rider during Race Day 1,” their statement reads.

“A competitor died at the scene along the first half of the route from Alice Springs to Aputula/Finke.  

“The committee are deeply saddened by this loss and extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to the rider’s family and friends.

“We ask all to respect the privacy of the family, friends and those who have been impacted by this incident.

“We appreciate the efforts of all emergency services, first respondents, officials and volunteers.

“The Finke Desert Race is providing ongoing support at both ends of the route.

“A police investigation is underway.”

The Finke Desert Race is Australia’s richest off-road race, taking place on the King’s Birthday weekend every year, 70kms from Alice Springs.

The renowned desert motor race, which is marking its 50th year, features dirt bikes and buggies speeding across a 450km red-dirt track in Central Australia.

It has attracted more than 800 competitors including men, women and junior riders — a more than 60 per cent increase on 2025.

The main race is from Alice Springs to Aputula/Finke and back over two days, with many thousands of spectators lining the dusty trail to see who becomes “King of the Desert”. 

Supercars legend Craig Lowndes is among the competitors at this year’s event.

Sunday’s tragedy is not the first time the Finke Desert Race has made headlines for the wrong reasons.

In 2021, 60-year-old Canberra retiree Nigel Harris died when a competing vehicle veered into a crowd of spectators after its suspension failed.

His death led to the introduction of a 30-metre buffer zone between spectators and the track.

A Queensland motorcycle rider died in 2008 after he crashed into a tree while racing in the event.

Two years ago, an unexpected explosion of a shock absorber injured six fans at the race.

Six Victorians, aged between 18 and 23, were injured during a “serious campfire mishap”.

Five of those men were flown interstate for treatment, two to the Royal Prince Alfred in Sydney and three to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

In 2023, young rider Zac Watson was told he will never walk again after being paralysed from the chest down while training for the Finke Desert Race.

The Mount Gambier local was in Alice Springs as part of his preparation for the race when he suffered a life-changing fall.

Watson was airlifted to hospital and underwent emergency surgery.

With AAP