Polaris has a long history with the famous Finke desert race, first competing with just 3 vehicles in 2012. Since then, the category has undergone numerous category name changes until being recognized officially by CAMS for 2016 as the Superlite category and as a genuine championship category within the Australian Off Road Championship. The fields have continued to grow with 12 entries in 2013, 16 in 2014 and 24 in 2015. For 2016, the field has grown further to 33 making it the single biggest category in the 4-wheel group.
The Polaris RZR (pronounced razor) is a purpose built, production vehicle that is ready to race save for a handful of modifications to comply with CAMS safety requirements. It’s short wheelbase and long travel suspension make it ideal for the run down to Finke and back. 2016 sees the first year of category separation with Superlite A being normally aspirated RZRs joined by the new Turbo vehicles in the Superlite B category. A strong attraction to the category is the production based formula with limits on modifications and hence containing costs for the everyday competitor. Aside from Finke, the category is growing rapidly with State and National competitions gaining strength across the country.
Polaris have officially entered a two team squad for this year’s assault on Finke. First up is the dream team of Cody Crocker and co-driver Greg Foletta. Cody is an Australian Rally legend, winning four Australian Rally Championships and three Asia-Pacific Rally Championships during the Subaru years plus the past four SXS Challenge titles in the Australian Rally Championships, the most recent in 2015. This is the 3rd attempt by the Crocker / Foletta team at this formidable race, this time in a Polaris RZR XP Turbo. It takes a combination of skill, a well-prepared vehicle and good old-fashioned luck to make it to the top step of the podium and the boys are determined to make 2016 their year.
Also driving for Polaris in another identically prepared Polaris RZR XP Turbo is motorsports ultimate showman, Matty Mingay. Apart from having over 1.2 million likes on his facebook page, Matt usually takes to the track in his Hot Wheels drift cars as entertainment at the V8 Supercar rounds and more recently with his Trophy Truck racing, also a part of the V8’s program. For Matty’s first attempt at Finke, he has roped in the experience of his brother Chris who has raced at Finke himself a few years back. Certainly a combination of skill and experience will serve them well and with a Polaris RZR XP Turbo at their disposal, they couldn’t prepare a better chance at a rookie victory.
The Tatts Finke Desert Race is an off road, multi terrain two-day race for bikes, cars, buggies and quads through desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) community.
The race is held each year on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June. “Finke” as it is commonly known, is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the Northern Territory and has the reputation of being one of the most difficult offroad courses in one of the most remote places in the world. Finke is unique and the most fun you can have with a helmet on!
