Kawasaki Motors Australia press release:

Matt Jones, Director of Matt Jones Motorcycles is preparing to compete alongside his support riders who will be contesting in the notoriously challenging yet tremendously rewarding 2016 Finke Desert Race.

The Finke Desert Race is an annual off-road, multi terrain event that is set to take place from 10th to 13th of June, over 460km of arid desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) Community.

Matt Jones is geared up and well equipped. He knows what to expect, having completed the gruelling race on two previous occasions (2012 and 2013).

“We travelled up to Alice Springs in March this year for a long weekend of testing. Our racing motorcycles are mostly stock except for suspension which is a major factor up there. We have been trying to train locally as well obviously and a lot of fitness training is required for a race like this one. The challenge is trying to find time to ride between running a business and having a young family with a two and six year old,” Matt said.

Competing alongside Matt will be Cole Glasgow, piloting a Kawasaki KX450F supplied by Matt Jones Motorcycles.

“Cole will be traveling from New Zealand for the event. The race has always been on his bucket list and he will be a guest of ours. Offering this service is something we are exploring for those who want to experience the Finke Desert Race but don’t have the equipment or are not based near the circuit therefore find it hard to manage the logistics around attending the race,” Matt said.

In addition, Matt Jones Motorcycles will back KX250F pilot, Brad Swan on his 5th attempt at the Finke Desert Race. The 36 year old Victorian managed to complete the race last year, finishing 4th in his class and 51st outright. Travis Swan will also be saddling up for the ride as he tackles the red sands of Alice Springs for the second time aboard his Matt Jones Motorcycles KX450F.

“It’s a personal challenge for most. They say it’s Australia’s toughest desert race. We are going to arrive there a week before the event, mainly for testing with the bikes. The whole event is a great experience, from camping out to pushing yourself to finish and you always want to do better. It’s not so much the racing aspect that most people find rewarding, it’s everything else that comes with the journey and finishing the race is a massive accomplishment!” exclaimed Matt.

The rewards are immense, however they don’t come easily according to Matt, saying “I think the physical nature of the famous Finke whoops will be the most challenging aspect. In times there are 40kms for non-stop whoops and you can do a lot of training for it, but nothing will really prepare you for it”

Matt Jones Motorcycles is a small family owned business who hold claim to the Victorian/ Tasmanian Kawasaki dealership of the year for 4yrs in a row (2011 to 2014).

“We have an amazing team here. We work hard to try and be a leading Kawasaki dealership and we sell, service and repair the whole Kawasaki range including motorcycles Mules, Jet Skis, ATVs, you name it.”

To support his 2016 Finke Desert Race efforts, Matt Jones will be receiving support from Kawasaki Motors Finance, Kawasaki Motors Australia, Dunlop, Silkolene, Fly Racing, 100% Goggles, Contour Cameras, Brad Swan Plumbing and Force Accessories Bash Plates.

Kawasaki supported Meghan Rutledge had also planned to take on the Finke Desert Race this year however a minor crash in the first MX2 race aboard her KX250F at the Murray Bridge round of the 2016 MX Nationals may prove to be a hindrance. Meghan (Mad Meg), is now awaiting medical clearance which will dictate whether she competes in the infamous race.

Keep an eye on www.kawasaki.com.au to follow the progress of Matt Jones and the Matt Jones Motorcycles supported riders at this year’s Finke Desert Race which will take place between 10th and 13th June.