Team Bogans to hit the road in fight against cancer

A PAIR of Surf Coast businessmen are preparing for a journey of a lifetime, rallying alongside hundreds of other drivers in the fight against cancer.

Tyrepower Torquay operator Nick Vivian and close mate and director of Morgan Home Builders Matt Morgan will join this year’s winter Cancer Council Shitbox Rally, traversing more than 5,000km of road and terrain from Melbourne to Alice Springs beginning on June 14.

“I honestly have no nervousness stored up, I’m so excited to take on this event and it’s the same for Matt,” Mr Vivian said.

“Just getting together with a good bunch of people who have all raised money for a good cause with the same goal and having a good time doing it – we’re pumped to get the show on the road.”

The drivers are expected to complete the journey on June 22 but will have to do so in their Ford BF Falcon wagon, which was bought for just $1,000 and made roadworthy.

The key requirement for the Shitbox Rally is participating cars cannot exceed $1,500 in purchase price. Additional funds may be used in making the vehicle roadworthy and insured.

Mr Vivian and Mr Morgan – who have entered as Team Bogans – were lucky to gain admission to the coming rally on just the second attempt.

The pairing will stop in towns such as Hay, Silverton, Tibooburra, Windorah, Bedourie, and Tobermorey before reaching the final destination.

The tyre shop owner also has a personal connection to the event, with former boss, friend and notable Torquay Rotarian Greg Plumridge losing his bout with cancer on Boxing Day 2022.

Mr Plumridge would have loved participating in the Shitbox Rally, according to Mr Vivian, which is why he is dedicating his rally efforts to his late friend.

“He was the owner of our store here and we sadly lost him to cancer,” Mr Vivian said.

“He would absolutely have loved to do something like this with his passion for rallying and driving. He was also a major reason why the Torquay Motor Show started years ago.

“He loved cars, and we’re glad we can dedicate our fundraising to him as well.”

Mr Vivian also mentioned the support he has received from suppliers within his network, all banding together to assist in raising money for cancer research.

“Cooper Tires gave us a full set of tyres for the car, Burson Auto Parts handed us every part we’ve required to build up the car, and Geelong Four-Wheel Drive and Camping has provided us with all of the camping gear we’ll need.

“We’ve hardly had to fork out anything due to the good nature of others all wanting to get around a good cause.”

This year’s winter Shitbox Rally has already raised over $2 million with Team Bogans contributing more than $7,000 to that total.

To donate to Mr Vivian and Mr Morgan’s fundraising, head to winter2024.shitboxrally.com.au/team-bogans