DESERT RACER: Strathalbyn rider tackles Finke

For some people, the thought of racing through the desert at speeds of up to 160km/h sounds like a nightmare, but for Strathalbyn resident Daniel Banks, “nothing” can beat the feeling.

Banks started racing dirt bikes when he was just six years old, first competing at a local level before gradually working his way up to race at state and national events.

He has since won five junior and five senior state championships, and been consistently named as one of Australian Pro Motocross’ Top 10 riders.

Though some might consider the sport dangerous, the 28-year-old felt in his element behind the handles, expressing joy at being able to achieve major goals.

“Different aspects of the sport have different risk levels, but generally speaking, it’s quite safe considering the quality of the safety gear these days,” Banks said.

“Motocross is such a hard sport to be consistently good at, especially at a state and national level.

“It takes a lot of commitment with training and travelling to get to the top, but after all the hard work, achieving goals is what is best.”

Banks was racing for the SA Plasterboard KTM team in 2018-19 when he first heard about the Tatts Finke Desert Race.

The race is an off-road, multi-terrain competition for bikes, cars, and buggies that takes place over two days in Alice Springs during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

Having raced national motocross for years and been heavily involved in desert racing, Finke sparked Banks’ interest and in 2018, he made the trip to Alice Springs for the first time.

He placed 13th outright his first year, and returned in 2019 to beat his score, but unfortunately failed to cross the finish line due to a mechanical issue.

This year, Banks – who was one of eight Fleurieu riders to compete – impressively finished 22nd overall out of 600 bikes, and placed 6th in the 450cc class.

“It was a very tough field this year, and the total race times from all the riders were very close,” he said.

“We race to Finke the first day and then back to Alice Springs the second day.

“It takes roughly two hours each way, and some of the times were only seconds apart.”

While Banks was disappointed by his final position on the ladder, he said it was “all experience” at the end of the day.

“I definitely would have liked to get a higher placing outright,” Banks said.

“I qualified 16th for the race, and was having a good run down, but I had a little issue right towards the end of the first day, where I lost about 15 positions and ended up finishing day one in 31st, which put me a long way behind for the return leg.

“I was able to pass a few riders and come home in 18th position, and 22nd outright for the combined two days.

“It’s all experience, and without track knowledge, it’s hard to do well at that race.

“A faster bike does make quite a difference in the Finke Desert Race, so if I was to race it again, I’d like to run a 500cc.”

Banks will now focus his attention to supporting and coaching up-and-coming racers for the remainder of the year.