A Jimboomba team is gearing up for a vital outback fundraiser in May.
The Shady Characters pairing of Glenn and Julie Stacey will drive through the bush to help farmers get back on their feet for the eight-day event.
Money raised by Jalopy Derby for Rural Aid will help farmers buy fencing, machinery and stock as they look to recover from devastating droughts, bushfires and floods.
The Jimboomba business will be one of 15 taking part in a derby which runs on dirt and bitumen roads.
Starting in Sydney, the derby takes in Coolah, Brewarrina, Cunnamulla, Windorah, Longreach and Emerald before finishing at Yeppoon.
Along the way, the drivers will host barbecues and fundraisers as they look to support farmers as best they can.
The Shady Characters team have been working hard to get their rat rod - the opposite of a shiny looking hot rod - to the start line in Sydney.
They will drive an ex-NSW firetruck with the cab and the tray removed.
Mr Stacey has added power steering and different seats.
He is also looking at super single tyres.
That will give the vehicle the fat look, but Mr Stacey said it had another reason.
"It's a feeble attempt for better fuel economy," he said.
They have been working on their truck since the beginning of the year. If they lose the race to have it ready in time, they will drive their back-up option, a Nissan Patrol.
"If a few moons line up, we will be right," Mr Stacey said.
Teams will visit the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame at Longreach, and get get an insight into the Fairbairn Irrigation Network, near Emerald.
Mrs Stacey looked forward to helping out the residents of the towns they will visit.
"They are still in dire straits, even though they have had a bit of rain," she said.
She looked forward to visiting the communities doing it tough.
"They have selected them for a reason," Mrs Stacey said.
"This will give them a bit of income and lift them up a bit."
The couple aims to raise $10,000.
To donate to the cause, click here or phone Shady Characters on 5548 7300.
