Now in its eighth year, the annual Shitbox Rally attracts drivers and vehicles from all over Australia for an adventure through the outback while raising money for the Cancer Council.

This year's journey will see hundreds of cars depart Adelaide on May 27 with the hope of arriving in Cairns on June 2.

Yass resident Nick Tyrrell and friend Paul Kindermann are among many teams travelling the extra distance to take part.

“I know it sounds like a strange thing to do – but it’s my contribution to the fight against cancer,” Nick said.

The two will drive a 2000 Toyota Camry the 4,800 km from Adelaide to Cairns – assuming the car makes it the 1,200 km from here to the start of the rally in Adelaide.

“Our aim is to raise at least $4,000 for the work the Cancer Council does in trying to cure and prevent Australians suffering cancer – and to help those who are,” he said. 

“We’ve all had people in our lives – in our workplaces – who have struggled with cancer. It’s not only the fact that so many cancers are life threatening – but also the fact that so many sufferers feel alone. That they are fighting a battle many of those around them can’t understand.

“I like the idea of the rally because it’s a high profile way of saying to cancer sufferers ‘hey we know you are battling away – and we’d like to help’.

“Combine this with my general interest in all things cars and it seems like the perfect way to raise money for and the profile of the great work the Cancer Council does.”

Although confident they won’t break down, they have made contingencies for such an event.

“Plenty of spare parts, spare oil, spare coolant and two spare tyres! I also understand from participants in previous years that the Aussie spirit of mateship is very strong on the rally.

“Many participants are handy with cars – many are qualified mechanics. Everyone chips in – lifts are given to those who get stranded. 

Yass businesses will get a chance to place their logo on the car.

With the car decked out in red and blue, “because long ago, in galaxies far, far away, I used to work for the Liberal Party and my co-driver used to work for the Labor Party. It’s going to be a long drive.”

To donate to the pair and help them raise funds for cancer, visit the fundraising website at: https://shitboxrallyau-2017.everydayhero.com/au/the-aaa-team (sponsors need to contact the pair directly).