Five-time Tatts Finke Desert Race winner David Walsh will come out of retirement to spearhead Honda’s return to the famed event on June 5-8.
With the factory effort powered by the Peter Kittle Motor Company, Walsh will be joined by reigning Finke champion Corey Hammond and previous podium finisher Brodie Waters for the squad’s assault on the annual Northern Territory event.
Walsh and Honda’s return to Finke coincides with the 50th year of the event which stands as one of the country’s largest and most significant annual motorsport gatherings.
After his previous victories in 2019 and 2021-2024, Walsh’s comeback mission is simple: go out and claim a sixth title.
“I told the team I wanted to ride the bike, so they drove it up and let me test it,” Walsh said. “I can see why Brodie has been so competitive on it.
“What impressed me most is the approach, there’s no ego. I told them what we needed and they were immediately on board. With the people around this program, it’s clear the goal is to win. I’d love to be the rider who gives Honda its first Finke victory since 2013.”
The return of a factory Honda-supported effort to the Finke Desert Race for the first time since 2018 presents a huge opportunity to add to its illustrious record of success at the event with 20 outright wins (the most in the history of the event).
Its history at the event has spanned from two-strokes to the four-stroke generation and has played a significant role in showcasing the performance of its off-road motorcycle range.
“While we stepped away from a full factory presence, we remained involved through riders such as Brodie Waters, who achieved a class win and an outright podium in recent seasons,” said Honda Australia Vice President, Peter Singleton. “With the significance of the 50th anniversary and Honda’s global commitment to motorsport, we felt it was important to return with a strong, focussed effort.
“It’s about supporting one of Australia’s most iconic events, its best riders, while also demonstrating our confidence in Honda’s off-road RX platform.”
The Peter Kittle Motor Company’s involvement in the Finke Desert Race started with Peter competing in the inaugural 1976 event before podiums across bikes and cars in the following years. Peter’s son Andrew has also competed in the event.
“What a great story this is with Honda returning, David Walsh returning, and the ambition behind the program,” Peter said. “We love the event, the atmosphere and the challenge it presents.
“As an automotive group, we see Finke as the pinnacle of Australian racing in the outback, and we’re proud to support Honda’s return.”
The 2026 Finke Desert Race will be held in Alice Springs on June 5-8.