Souped-up motorbikes and turbo-charged buggies with trampoline suspension scatter dust, rocks and unwary spectators. Engine blow-ups, flips, rollovers and crashes are commonplace. Freezing morning temperatures rapidly become fiery as the sun rises. This is not your typical Sunday morning drive, but it's all worth it to be crowned King of the Desert.

Bikes and buggies reach speeds of up to 170km/h as they follow a bumpy course along the former Ghan railway service track to the desert community of Aputula. Racers, spectators and support crew camp out before retracing their route the following morning.

Believe it or not, much of the course is a public road. Don't plan on heading into town to do your shopping on this weekend, though. The road is closed, and buggies and bikes have to average around 60km/h over the treacherous terrain to even make the second day's return run. Many don't make it.

Most locals put their farming duties on the backburner to become part of the action over the weekend, either as spectators, racers, or volunteers. In Alice Springs more than 12,000 people congregate to enjoy the "scrutineering", the party atmosphere and the boisterous final presentation night. Join the party or try your luck, but don't stand too close...