The Shitbox Rally is a long-distance motoring event run in Australia as a

fundraiser Fundraising or fund-raising is the process of seeking and gathering voluntary financial contributions by engaging individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies. Although fundraising typically refers to efforts to gathe ...

for cancer research charities, originally an annual event but increased to twice-yearly in 2019.

History

The event was inaugurated by James Freeman in 2009 in memory of his mother and father, who both died from cancer within a space of twelve months. His idea was to challenge men and women with a sense of adventure to a one-week (or thereabouts) drive across the country in an inexpensive motor vehicle, which would be sold by auction at journey's end; entrance fees and proceeds of the sale to go to a cancer charity, along with any other money that might be collected in the way of donations, sponsorships and royalties. He secured an agreement from

Cancer Council Australia Cancer Council Australia is a national, nonprofit organisation which aims to promote cancer-control policies and to reduce the illness caused by cancer in Australia. It advises various groups, including the government, on cancer-related issues, ...

to lend its name to the project on the proviso that all monies would be directed to Cancer Council Australia. Freeman estimated a profit of $20,000 in the first year and to get the ball rolling canvassed friends and relations to take part. The '' Sydney Morning Herald'' 's ''Drive'' column, ''

Seven Network The Seven Network (commonly known as Channel Seven or simply Seven) is a major Australian commercial free-to-air television network. It is owned by Seven West Media Limited, and is one of five main free-to-air television networks in Australi ...

'' 's ''

Sunrise Sunrise (or sunup) is the moment when the upper rim of the Sun appears on the horizon in the morning. The term can also refer to the entire process of the solar disk crossing the horizon and its accompanying atmospheric effects. Terminology ...

'' program and ''Unique Cars'' magazine ran feature stories, and other print and electronic media followed.

Triple J Triple J (stylised in all lowercase) is a government-funded, national Australian radio station intended to appeal to listeners of alternative music, which began broadcasting in January 1975. The station also places a greater emphasis on broad ...

arranged for one of their presenters, Tom Tilley, to participate, sending reports back to Sydney, and capturing moments on videotape. 23 two-person teams registered for the event, which raised $103,000, well above the most optimistic predictions.

The event

The event organisers describes the rally as "not a race, utrather a challenge to achieve the unthinkable," being fundraiser and community event where participants have a good time doing something challenging. There is an award presented to the biggest fundraisers, and other awards are given in various light-hearted categories which may change at the whim of the organisers: "Least likely to make it"; "Best car"; "Best team theme" (dressing up the vehicle is part of the fun, but not mandatory); "Best breakdown"; "Best repair"; "Spirit of the Rally". The number of entries is limited to 200. Effectively, a team of two needs to raise a minimum of $5,000, which goes straight to Cancer Council Australia, to participate in the rally. The only stipulations for the car are that it is worth/valued at no more than A$1,000 and that it's not an AWD/4WD vehicle. Costs of vehicle registration and roadworthiness checks are not included in the budget, nor are some safety items. Teams are responsible for getting the vehicle to the starting point, and proceed each day to that night's checkpoint, where they sleep "under the stars" (BYO swag). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. There is an auction held following the last day, where optionally, the vehicles are sold to benefit Cancer Council Australia.

Events

References

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Gallery

File:ShitboxRally Nemo.jpg, Adelaide, May 2017 File:ShitboxRally Ratty.jpg, Adelaide, May 2017

External links

Shitbox Rally official website
Motorsport in Australia Rallying in Australia Recurring events established in 2010 2010 establishments in Australia