Not only did the teams raise approximately $30,000 for Kidney Health Australia, but they also played major roles in keeping their competitors on the road.

Team Thommo, made up of Dubbo brothers Ed and Gus Thompson, gained a reputation for always lending a hand to other competitors in need.

Ed’s employer, the Luka Group, also hosted a barbecue during the Dubbo stopover and raised $680. 

Richard Edgley, who was competing with his brother David in team Doing it for the Kiddies, actually lent another competitor his $78,000 Land Cruiser to complete the rally after their car was damaged.

Mr Edgley also organised for Kidney Health Australia staff to visit his daughter’s school, Macquarie Anglican Grammar, and give a talk on the importance of looking after the kidneys.

Kidney Health Australia events manager Katie Nicholson said the sportsmanship of the Dubbo teams didn’t go unnoticed and said they also played good hosts during the mid-rally stopover in the city.

“The Dubbo teams really made an effort to ensure participants enjoyed what their town had to offer on the lay day,” she said.

Ed Thompson said they were happy to lend a hand wherever they could.

“There seemed to be a lot of breakdowns this year, more than previous rallies and Gus is fairly mechanically-minded so we decided to help out where we could,” he said.

“It was fantastic to see everyone again. Even though you only see them once a year, when you get together it is like you only caught up with them the previous week.”

Mr Edgley said it was nice to get through the event without any major problems, after having to do major engine repairs two days before the 2015 rally.

This year they used a HSV Manta instead of last year’s VL Commodore.

“We ran over a massive log and also hit a massive roo near Elong Elong which bent the bullbar back and smashed the headlight but we were able to continue.

Collie pair Darren and Trish Murray also competed in the rally in their Holden VX SS Commodore and raised an excellent $6770.

Next year the Kidney Kar Rally will start at Griffith and head to Wagga Wagga via Tibooburra between August 11-19.

“Kidney Kar Rally entrants come from across Australia and rally in all types of vehicles, not just rally class. Any registered road vehicle can take part and we’d love to see more of the Dubbo (and surrounding) community involved,” Ms Nicholson said.

For more information about the Kidney Kar Rally and how to register a team, visit kidneykarrally.com.au