Former FNQ Qantas captains Bruce Milne and Rolly Griffin swap wings for a bombed-out commodore in Shitbox Rally
Two Cairns neighbours and former pilots will drive a car they found on the side of the road in a 3500km race – all for charity. Here’s how you can support them.
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Seven days across 3500km of remote dirt roads and driving cars more suited to a wreckers yard, the 2022 annual Shitbox Rally will feature two Cairns locals in a vehicle they found on the side of the road.
Cairns-based airline Skytrans is sponsoring two former pilots in the event which has 250 vehicles tackling some of the toughest terrain in the country to raise money for cancer research.
Skytrans marketing manager Campbell Wilson said the airline was proud to sponsor former Qantas captains Bruce Milne and Rolly Griffin who will drive from Mackay to Darwin via The Gulf of Carpentaria in the 2022 Shitbox Rally to raise money for the Cancer Council.
“The duo are racing as Team Finger Trouble in an event which aims to raise funds for cancer research projects nationally,” he said.
“Since the rally launched in 2009 it has raised over $27 million and is the largest private fundraiser for the Cancer Council in Australia.”
Mr Milne said the name Finger Trouble means “trouble caused by operator
error, such as selecting the wrong key or switch”, such as a pilot error.
“The name seemed appropriate for a couple of novice mechanics,” he said.
“The rules state the car can cost no more than $1000 and we found the car on the side of the road.
“Our entry, is a $600, 2003, VY Commodore Wagon Shitbox.”
Mr Griffin said getting prepared was tough but they love the Cairns community and the event was a great opportunity to give something back.
“Waiting for the Road Worthy Certificate was more stressful than landing in London on a foggy day,” he said.
“We now have a registered Shitbox and it’s game on and we are departing October 15 along with 550 other participants.”
The pair said they were grateful for the support of Skytrans.
“Similarly for Skytrans, Cairns is home and we have been ‘locals’ since 2002,” they said.
“If anyone wants to follow our progress, go to www.shitboxrally.com.au and you can also donate to Finger Trouble as amounts over $2 are tax deductible.”
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Originally published as Former FNQ Qantas captains Bruce Milne and Rolly Griffin swap wings for a bombed-out commodore in Shitbox Rally
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