Somewhere along the 226-kilometre Finke Desert Race track, things started to go awry for former champion Toby Price.

Key points: Central Australian racers take home both the car and bike categories in the challenging Finke Desert Race

Central Australian racers take home both the car and bike categories in the challenging Finke Desert Race Jack Rhodes wins the car category after five-time champion Toby Price suffers mechanical failure on the second day

Jack Rhodes wins the car category after five-time champion Toby Price suffers mechanical failure on the second day Winner of the bikes category, David Walsh, says he had to "hang on for dear life" to avoid being killed on the track

But a mechanical failure for five-time Finke champ Price meant a windfall for journeyman Jack Rhodes, who took home the King of the Desert car title for 2019.

And the win on the challenging Central Australian outback track was a homecoming for Rhodes, who grew up in Alice Springs, as did winner of the bike category, David Walsh, who vowed he would retire on top after 12 years trying to land the top gong.

"Today was nerve-wracking the whole way," said Rhodes, who was celebrating the win after his ninth or tenth attempt at the gruelling race.

"It's been a hard journey over the years, I just keep coming back and keep working away and chipping away and having so many people put so much work in ... and letting them down with small things and driver error.

"It's been a long journey, so to finally get it done, I think the crew will be pretty drunk tonight."

Newly crowned Finke King of the Desert, David Walsh, hugs his wife after the victory. ( ABC News )

When Rhodes saw his main rival Price facing mechanical troubles on the side of the track, he said the first thing that went through his head was, "It's never over until it's over".

"A lot of the [challenges] were mental — just battling through it, keeping yourself calm, just trying to get through it," Rhodes said.

"I think that's why they call it the toughest desert race there is."

Walsh survives 'brutal' track to take win

After three times in second place, fellow Alice Springs local Walsh fought for survival to become the fastest across the finish line on his bike.

"[Sunday] was the hardest thing I've ever done, that track was just brutal, I don't know how I got there in one piece," said Walsh.

"I had so many near-death experiences but somehow pulled it off."

"You're hanging on for dear life — it's not fun, it's pretty scary.

"At one point there I [had] seen the crowd running back off the track and I knew that I was looking ugly. But it's all good, we're here."

Finke Desert Race driver Jack Rhodes (left) has taken the trophy after nine or ten attempts. ( ABC News )

'My wife will kill me if I don't retire'

Walsh fought back tears as he thanked his family for supporting his long, dusty journey to become the new champ.

"Finally got it — 12 years I've been trying to finally get it — it just feels good, it's just a dream come true, it really is," he said.

Walsh said his wife would "kill me" if he didn't retire after his latest victory.

"I don't think so," Walsh responded after being asked if he would return to defend his title next year.

"I think my wife will kill me if I don't [retire] ... I've been saying that for five [years], but anyway."

Unfortunately for other racers, the dry and dusty conditions proved too hazardous, with 17 people needing first-aid treatment at the event.