NEWS Of The Area reported in May that 61-year-old Nambucca Valley man Martin Russell was set to take on the Tatts Finke Desert Race, one of the world’s toughest off-road endurance events, riding a fully rebuilt 1983 Honda CR480.
Martin successfully completed the gruelling 230 kilometre journey from Alice Springs to the remote community of Aputula on day one, tackling brutal terrain ranging from deep sand to rocky shelves.
Midway through the race, he faced a major setback when his rear shock absorber failed, forcing him to ride the remaining 110 kilometres without any damping; a challenge that tested both his physical endurance and mental focus.
“I knew I had a spare shock at Aputula with my team, so I pushed on,” Martin told NOTA.
“But it caused damage to the frame, making it impossible for me to complete the return ride to Alice Springs.”
Despite the early exit, Martin takes pride in what he accomplished, especially aboard a vintage bike he’s raced across the UK and France for over three decades.
“I qualified 12th out of 46 in the over 55s category, and I was the only rider on a vintage bike,” Martin added.
No stranger to tough competition, Martin has spent over 50 years in motocross.
He stressed that the Finke was the most demanding event he’s ever faced and unlike motocross, which has short races and breaks in between, the Finke is relentless.
While the 2025 Finke didn’t go as planned, Martin isn’t hanging up his helmet just yet.
“I’ve got unfinished business with the Finke, and next year, I’ll be back but on a modern bike this time,” he said.
Martin and his family are also planning another Snakey Creek Enduro fundraising event on their Congarinni property.
Previous events have supported causes such as Macksville Palliative Care, MND Research Australia, and Wish for Willow.
He extended heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who made his Finke adventure possible such as Chris Beslic Excavations, Fortade Group, Mid Coast Trucks, Welsh’s Concreting, and Mid Coast Moto.
By Mick BIRTLES