Held together by zip ties and duct tape, Joel Mitchell’s 1975 Kombi is not built for comfort, but it is built for something stronger.
Mitchell, alongside longtime mate Joe Glockler, will take on the Shitbox Rally 2026 Autumn, driving from Port Douglas to Melbourne in a seven-day journey to raise funds for cancer research.
For Joel, it will be his fourth rally, but the first in the Kombi he built as a teenager.
“I bought it when I was 17 and rebuilt it the same year,” he said.
“I then sold it to a mate and bought it back for the rally.”
Operating as Team Good Times, the pair are already well into their fundraising efforts, sitting just short of a $20,000 target.
“My biggest year was about $18,700, so this year we are trying to beat our personal record,” Joel said.
While the rally is known for its unpredictable terrain and mechanical failures, Joel said the challenge was part of the appeal.
“It is just dirt roads, swags and eight days flat out,” he said.
“If your car breaks down and they cannot get it going, you get a medal to say your car died on the rally, then you jump in with someone else and keep going.”
Participants travel in small “buddy groups”, forming connections with strangers along the way.
“You have about six or seven cars in a buddy group and that is it,” Joel said.
“You eat, sleep, pull over and live together for the entire rally.”
The rally carries a deeply personal meaning for the team, who are honouring close friend Matthew Lavers, through their journey.
“Lavo passed away on New Year’s Eve from melanoma, so this rally is dedicated to him.”
Joe is also motivated by his own family’s experience.
“My mum has melanoma as well, but she is still undergoing treatment at the moment,” he said.
Originally scheduled earlier in the year, the rally was postponed due to fuel supply issues, giving participants more time to prepare and fundraise.
“It has been a blessing that it was pushed back to July because it gives us more time to raise money for a good foundation,” Joe said.
Despite the long journey ahead – including more than 3000 kilometres just to reach the start line – both men are embracing the experience.
“As soon as he put it out there, I jumped on board straight away,” Joe said.
“We have been mates forever, so it is going to be a good trip.”
The rally requires each team to raise at least $5000, with all proceeds going to the Cancer Council Australia to support vital cancer research.
Those wishing to make a donation can do so at https://autumn2026.shitboxrally.com.au/goodtimes/donate
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