In the lead up to the Northern Territory’s biggest and best annual racing event, the Lott by Tatts is revving up to celebrate its 20th year as naming rights sponsor.

Tatts Finke Desert Race is an iconic motorsport event based in Alice Springs that has the reputation of being one of the world’s most difficult and gruelling off-road courses in a remote location.

The year 2019 is especially significant for the Lott by Tatts as it marks the 20th year of its involvement in the heart-racing, adrenaline-pumping and awe-inspiring event. 

During the past two decades, the Lott by Tatts has seen the Finke Desert Race evolve from a local community event to a world-class affair that embodies the spirit of Alice Springs. 

In 2000, Tatts’ first year as naming rights sponsor and Finke’s 25th year, there were 305 bike and 105 car competitors, 200 volunteers and approximately 8,000 spectators.

Accelerate to 2019, and the event has almost doubled in size and torque. This year, Tatts Finke Desert Race expects to have 650 bike and 157 car competitors, 350 volunteers and 14,000 spectators. 

The Lott spokesperson Hans de Koning said the Lott by Tatts was proud to continue to lend its support to such an iconic event.  

“At the Lott, we are passionate about connecting with and supporting, the communities that we operate in and we have loved being part of the Finke family,” he said.

“We regard this sponsorship as a great match for the Lott by Tatts and our ongoing commitment to this sponsorship is our way of saying thanks to the Territorians who support our lottery business.

“We can’t wait to be at the finish line of the Tatts Finke Desert Race in 2019 to welcome the drivers and riders home and we look forward to supporting the race for many years to come.

“We’re always excited to crown lottery winners, but it’s going to be amazing to see this year’s Kings of the Desert cross the finish line!”

Tatts Finke Desert Race Vice President Claire Ryan said the Lott by Tatts’ sponsorship contributed significantly to the event’s success. 

“Without the support of Tatts, the Tatts Finke Desert Race wouldn’t be the success it is today,” she said.

“Over the 20 years Tatts has been involved, we have seen the event grow considerably, becoming a truly unique and greatly celebrated iconic event. 

“We would like to thank the Lott by Tatts for its ongoing support and we look forward to continuing this strong relationship well into the future.”