Moriac’s own takes home Class and Women’s win at Finke 2021

CONSIDERED one of the most difficult off-road motor races in the world, the Finke Desert Race crowned Moriac resident Danielle Foot the fastest in her class for the first time in her career, and Fastest Female in the race for a second time on her Husqvarna TE250i bike.
After day one against 643 registered bikes, Foot held a three-and-a-half-minute lead over the rest of the pack predominantly filled with male riders.
But as she prepared to make the final run home, the remainder of Foot’s race ended early following a fatal collision when a racecar collided with spectators.
“Unfortunately, on day two there was a tragedy involving one of the spectators who passed away, so the bikes were cut short,” Foot noted.
A 60-year-old man died after being hit by a racecar roughly 35km from the start-finish line and, given Foot’s lead after the first day, it was decided her efforts were enough to earn her the class win and fastest female.
Despite what was a bittersweet ending to the race, Foot went into her fifth Finke Desert Race with an abundance of excitement.
Also, having signed with her new team at Simford Group Motorsport, she made sure she was ready to give it her all even with COVID-19 looming over the race itself.
“COVID did not really effect the training side, but it was more to do with getting there and the borders and everything like that,” she said.
Foot and her new team, including Simford’s Paul Roach who she said was like her “second dad” over the past few weeks, did not want to take the risk of another potential lockdown in Victoria, therefore leaving for the Northern Territory a few weeks before racing even began.
Another reason to be confident prior to race day for Foot was knowing the support she was receiving back at home.
Originally from Grovedale, Foot began riding before moving to Moriac, but the 40-acre property she grew up on came with a few added benefits given the land size, such as her own track to practice on after school and work – even today.
Foot says she is very fortunate to have the support of her parents Ashley and Sharon, as well as her two sisters.
Currently a worker at the Mount Moriac pub for her dad, Foot expressed a “family connection” to the establishment and the people there, who have helped her to reach her full potential.
In fact, as a way of showing their support, the pub keeps her trophies on display, highlighting the encouragement the town has provided.
“They have been very supportive especially because I have to take a lot of time off work,” said Foot, laughing. “I definitely would not be where I am today without their support.”
The town of Moriac will forever be in Foot’s heart as she continues to chase success, and while her Finke win this year had a different feeling to it, the young gun is eager to start her preparations for the future and perhaps an even better Finke race in 2022.