Ford Ranger Raptor claims third Finke Desert Race in a row

The Ford Ranger Raptor has won the Finke Desert Race for the third consecutive year, setting a new Production 4WD class record time in the process.

Driven by Brad Lovell and navigated by Adam Lovell, the Ranger Raptor underlined its desert-smashing capability by dominating its class in the 2025 Tatts Finke Desert Race over the long weekend.

The experienced Lovell duo set a new category record despite especially challenging conditions this year on the grueling 460km course from Alice Springs to Finke and back.

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The Finke win extends the Ranger Raptor’s undefeated streak in major off-road races, following its class win at the 2022 Baja 1000 and the Finke Desert Race in 2023 and 2024.

“Getting the third win here at Finke, especially on such a tough track and setting a new class record, is just incredible,” said driver Brad Lovell.

“This Ranger Raptor is an absolute weapon. It handled everything we threw at it, proving its toughness and performance. I couldn’t be prouder of the team and this truck.”

Ford Performance global director Mark Rushbrook said the Australian-developed Ranger Raptor’s latest race win highlights its position as the benchmark for high-performance off-road production vehicles.

“To see the Ranger Raptor achieve a three-peat at Finke is phenomenal,” he said.

“This truck is a testament to Ford Performance engineering and its ability to deliver extreme capability and durability in the harshest environments. Its undefeated record across Baja and Finke speaks volumes about its DNA.”

Ford Australia Special Vehicle Engineering program manager Justin Capicchiano said: “Designing a truck that can perform like this in production class racing is what we strive for.

“The Finke Desert Race is the ultimate test, and for the Ranger Raptor to not only win three times in a row but also set a new record shows the strength and resilience built into the race-prepared vehicle.”

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