Corey Hammond Dominates 2025 Finke Desert Race

Hammond claims King of the Desert title, while Madi Healey secures back-to-back wins as Queen in Australia’s toughest off-road motorcycle event

The unforgiving red dirt of Central Australia once again played host to one of the most grueling and iconic off-road events in the world — the 2025 Tatts Finke Desert Race. For the motorcycle division, this year’s event delivered high drama, valiant performances, and emotional victories across the board.

Topping the list of achievements was 23-year-old Northern Territorian Corey Hammond, who stormed to an unforgettable win in the motorcycle category, becoming the new King of the Desert with a combined time of 3 hours and 46 minutes. Launching into Monday’s return leg with a commanding lead, Hammond held his nerve and speed over the notorious 223-kilometre track back to Alice Springs to seal his place in Finke history.

“I knew we always had a chance,” Hammond reflected at the finish line. “Obviously a bit of bad luck for a few of the top boys who crashed out, but I just always believed in myself.”

Hot on his heels was Campbell Hall, who secured a respectable runner-up position, while Brodie Waters rounded out the podium in third. All three riders endured the punishing terrain — a treacherous blend of deep ruts, square edges, and blinding dust — that defines Finke and distinguishes the elite from the determined.

Adding to the excitement, Madi Healey delivered another strong performance to clinch the Queen of the Desert title for the second consecutive year. Demonstrating both resilience and finesse, Healey overcame challenging riding conditions exacerbated by recent rainfall, which had carved unpredictable edges and soft patches into the track.

“I think the rain made it a lot rougher this year,” 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.”

Healey’s back-to-back title win cements her status as one of the most formidable female competitors in the event’s modern history.

As with every Finke, the 2025 race saw thousands of fans camp out along the expansive track, braving chilly desert evenings to support more than 600 competitors across various classes. The electric atmosphere and rugged terrain ensure Finke remains bucket-list territory for off-road racers around the world.

Participation in the motorcycle division remains tightly regulated; since 2022, all entrants must first complete at least one open competitive event to qualify. It’s a move that has lifted the calibre and safety of racing, ensuring only those with proven mettle take to the punishing course.

Despite the excitement on the track, the event wasn’t without incident. NT Health authorities confirmed 43 race-related injuries, with St John Ambulance reporting one serious case involving a man who was airlifted to Adelaide after sustaining a suspected traumatic brain injury. Safety remains a pressing concern for riders, organisers and fans alike, as the allure of Finke is often matched by its physical toll.

With rising new talents like Hammond and seasoned competitors such as Healey continuing to shine, the Finke Desert Race motorcycle competition proves it remains a fiercely contested and deeply respected cornerstone of Australian motorsport.

2025 Finke Desert Race Open Class

2025 Finke Desert Race Women