Then picture travelling at speeds of as much as 175 kilometres an hour through ferocious terrain without being able to sit still for one second, let alone  see past four metres in front of the car.

These are just a couple of small insights to what racing conditions were for Mount Isa off-road racers Dan Osinski and Joe Butterworth in the 40th anniversary of the notorious Finke Desert Race.

The pair, with Osinski driving and Butterworth navigating, recently returned from the Alice Springs-based race, claiming the Performance 2WD class title.

The fact the two also received a trophy symbolising their survival of the race speaks volumes about one of the biggest annual sporting events in the Northern Territory.

Claiming his third class title in five years of participating in the 452-kilometre event, Osinski said his most recent win was up there with his best result, despite having previously finished higher in the overall standings.

“This was probably the most satisfying one because of the 40th anniversary,” Osinski said.

“Usually there are 100 other drivers out there, but this year we had 140 nominated. We had ex-champions and other quality racers all over the country coming over to race in this one.”

Osinski and Butterworth got off to a flyer, gaining up to 50 places during the most dangerous, dust-filled sector of the race on the way to the half-way point – the small Aputula (Finke) community.

“You had people leaving Alice Springs intent on winning it in the first half of the race.

‘‘This year was the biggest issue of dust I’ve ever had. We’re both just looking down out of the window and checking that we’re on a road.”

The Alice Springs Off-Road Racing Club members were amazed by the support for the race that brings an influx of up to 30,000 people to Alice Springs each year.

“The first time I did the track, I was surprised with the fact that 200 kilometres along a road towards the bush are people camped.”

When asked if he would be back to do it all over again, Butterworth didn’t hesitate at the thought.

“It would be stupid if I didn’t (race the Finke again),” Butterworth said.

“It’s not just a race itself, it’s the whole atmosphere and package deal that surrounds it. It’s the preparation for it, the events leading up to it and the events after it.”

Having just completed round two in the Australian Off-Road Championship, Osinski and Butterworth have set their sights on round four in Coffs Harbour in September followed by round five in Brisbane during October.

“Next year, if we plan it out better, we will be doing all the national rounds to chase the number one plate.” Osinski said.