The Finke Desert Race runs 226km from Alice Springs to Aputula and back. The driver walked away with bruised ribs. The buggy was a write-off. The tree was fine.

Most motorsport events happen on closed circuits with run-off areas. Finke happens on a track also used by road trains, cattle, and the occasional camel. The safety record, relative to the conditions, is remarkable. If you've never been, go.