Racing News |
Peter Bedford Delivers Strong Performance at the Finke Desert Race
Fast Start in the Prologue
For the Saturday prologue, Peter Bedford adopted an aggressive strategy, attacking the 8-kilometre course with a fast and committed sprint. He secured the hole shot off the start line, providing clear air for much of the run. Completing the course in 6 minutes and 30 seconds, Peter finished 250th overall out of 680 riders and 21st in class from a field of 108 competitors.
Race Day 1 – Alice Springs to Finke
Race Day 1 presented extremely difficult conditions. With little wind across the course, heavy dust significantly reduced visibility, particularly during the opening 30 kilometres, where riders could often see less than a handlebar length ahead. Combined with severe track deterioration, the conditions contributed to numerous incidents throughout the field.
Recognising the risks, Peter adopted a conservative race strategy, prioritising safety and consistency. While this approach cost some positions, it ensured a clean run to the finish. He completed the stage in 3 hours and 13 minutes, placing 262nd overall and 29th in class.
Race Day 2 – Return to Alice Springs
The return leg to Alice Springs brought further challenges, with continued low wind and heavy dust affecting racing conditions. The atmosphere was also marked by the tragic loss of a fellow competitor during Day 1, a reminder of the demanding nature of the event.
A strong start proved critical, and Peter once again secured the hole shot into the first turn. Maintaining a solid pace throughout the day, he navigated increasingly difficult terrain, including large whoop sections, square edges and deep bull dust holes. His efforts saw him gain significant ground through the field, passing 39 riders over the course of the stage.
Peter completed Day 2 in 3 hours and 14 minutes, finishing 228th overall and 25th in class.
Final Results
Peter's consistency across both race days delivered an impressive overall result:
- 235th overall from 680 riders
- 27th in class from 108 riders
- 3rd fastest Kawasaki rider from a field of 10
Reliable Performance from the KX450F
Throughout both the pre-running period and race weekend, Peter's Kawasaki KX450F performed flawlessly. The bike's reliability and handling allowed him to remain fully focused on the demanding conditions and maintain consistent performance throughout the event.
Representing Team Green
Beyond racing, Peter was invited to speak at the Thursday night street party in Alice Springs, participating in both a live-streamed segment and an on-stage presentation. The opportunity allowed him to acknowledge and promote the support of Matt Jones Motorcycles and Kawasaki Australia’s Team Green program.
Peter also recently completed a post-race interview for The Dirt Bike Burrito Podcast, where he discusses the event in greater detail, including his race experience and the performance of the KX450F.
Looking Ahead
With the Finke Desert Race now complete, Peter's focus turns to his next challenge, the Hattah Desert Race, which takes place in just three weeks.
