Riders are gearing up for the 2013 Tatts Finke Desert Race this weekend as the gates are set to drop once again on Sunday, 9 June.

Ben Grabham is currently preparing to tackle the race once again after missing last year’s event while sidelined due to injury.

The HSE Motorex KTM Off-Road Team rider, a four-time winner of the race, is returning from severe spinal injuries sustained in a freak accident over one year ago.

Grabham will be joined by Victorian desert racer Matt Fish in a two-pronged assault as KTM attempts a fifth straight win over the upcoming Queen’s Birthday weekend.

It will be the first time for New South Welshman Josh Green in one of the world’s toughest, fastest and most grueling off-road races.

And the Australian Off-Road Championship regular will put his Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing Team YZ450F to the test over the coming days.

Husaberg Australia’s Jarrod Bewley will return to the event for 2013 following a gritty fifth place performance in 2012 while riding injured.

Bewley kicked off his Finke career with an impressive second overall in 2011 which he will be planning to one-up this year aboard his Husaberg FE501

Honda Australia will be supporting a strong contingent of riders during the upcoming 2013 Finke Desert Race in the Northern Territory.

Glenn Hoffmann Racing (GHR) and Desert Edge Race Team (DERT) riders will compete on board Honda’s CRF450R machines in what is known as one of Australia’s most difficult off-road courses.

GHR Honda riders Jacob Smith and Todd Smith are seasoned professionals. Recently taking first and second place in the Condobolin 750 respectively.

After taking second place in last year’s event, local Alice Springs rider David Walsh has high hopes for the 2013 Finke Desert Race.

Forming the Desert Edge Race Team (DERT), David will be joined by his brother Michael Walsh, Caleb Auricht and Daymon Stokie.

Stay tuned to MotoOnline.com.au for updates, news and results from the iconic event.