Robinson and Morton early Finke leaders

The 2025 Finke Desert Race is underway with Callum Norton and Travis Robinson the early leaders in bikes and cars, respectively.

Under sunny skies, the 49th edition of the famous off-road event began in the outback near Alice Springs and the Prologue turned into a battle of brotherly bragging rights.

Travis Robinson threw down the gauntlet with a fast time, and it turned out his brother, Beau, was his nearest rival.

In theend Travis Robinson’s blistering 4m43s time was well clear of the rest and he took out the $2000 outright prize.

It was a strong bounceback after retiring last year due to a roll over.

The result means he will lead the blast to Aputula.

“It’s been a few years since we’ve won a qualifying here so it’s exciting.” he said.

“We got this new truck about a week and a half ago, so we didn’t get much seat time in it. It’s a completely different animal to anything I’ve ever driven. We’re still learning.

“We’re happy we got a one-two, and on Monday we just want two cars on the podium.”

Brother Beau came within 4.3s as Kiwi Boston Morgan-Horan impressed on debut to be third.

In 12th, Lachlan Bailey was the winner of SXS.

Callum Norton got off to a flying start.

On two wheels, it was Norton who emerged on top on Prolouge day.

His time of 4m46.8s saw Norton lead Corey Hammond by 7s in a KTM 1-2.

Norton will go into tomorrow with an extra $1000 thanks to Method Wheels, and start on the front row for the first leg to Aputula (Finke) where hundreds of competitors will chase him.

“I’m happy to be on the front row for tomorrow. I didn’t mind if that wasn’t the case but it’s nice to do it.” he said.

“The bike is really good, We’ve put a lot of work into it and with David Walsh and Liam Walsh on a similar setup last year it helped a lot.

“If I can get a good start tomorrow and get into the lead that would be awesome. If not, I’ve just got to be patient but it’s a massive advantage to be on that front row.

“I’ve just got to block out the nerves tomorrow and do our normal thing.”

Honda’s Brodie Waters and Mitchell Outram completed the minors in third and fourth, respectively.

The deciding day of the 49th Finke Desert Race will begin when the lights go out for leg one of the Bike category race tomorrow at 12.00pm (ACST).

Buy the new issue of Auto Action Premium HERE

Read the new issue of Auto Action Digital HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here or you can purchase a copy of the latest issue from one of our outlets here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine