A Finke Desert Race motorbike driver has died in a crash during the event’s first leg from Alice Springs to Aputula/Finke on Sunday afternoon, NT Police have confirmed.

The incident was reported to have occurred around 12:40pm Sunday, involving a crash within the first 30km portion of the race. The name of the deceased has not yet been released.

“Police attended and commenced CPR before St John Ambulance officers arrived and continued treatment – however, despite their best efforts, the rider tragically passed away at the scene,” police said in a statement Sunday evening.

Major Crash investigators have since established a crime scene and are investigating cause of the crash.

A report is also being prepared for the Coroner.

“Our thoughts are with the rider’s family, friends and all involved with the event at this difficult time,” Finke Desert Race NT Police Commander Michael Budge said.

The Finke Desert Race Committee and Motorsport Australia are cooperating with authorities and have also expressed their deepest sympathies to the rider’s family and friends while providing support to those affected by the death.

In a statement, the committee expressed its deep sadness and extended its 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 responders, officials and volunteers,” the statement said.

The event will continue, organisers said.

Sunday’s fatality occurred five years after a spectator lost their life at the 2021 Finke Desert Race, which led to a lawsuit raising significant safety concerns around the national sporting event, recognised as one of the most famous off-road races in the world.

Interstate retiree Nigel Harris lost his life in 2021 when a truck veered off the track and struck spectators during an event. That was one of several fatalities over the event’s 50 years, including Queensland motorbike rider David Schmidt in 2008.

A near-disaster also occurred last year, when a trophy truck became airborne at 160 km/h and crashing and rolling, but the driver and navigator survived with only minor injuries.