HILTON’S Tim and Hayley Buckner are in this year’s Shitbox Rally to raise funds for cancer research.

The madcap rally—featuring drivers in fancy dress and cars valued under $1000—starts in Queensland May 7 and finishes in Tassie seven zany days later.

The route includes mountain passes, unmapped back roads and even a passage wearing pirate gear on the Tassie ferry across Bass Strait.

Tim says he is driving in honour of his dad, Ali, who died from cancer last year.

• Tim and Hayley Buckner with “Colin the Camry”. Photo  supplied

“Three years ago my dad was taken ill and forced to stop work as a teacher,” he says. “Initially he was diagnosed with chronic heart failure but soon it was evident there were multiple cancerous tumours present. Sadly, in March 2015 he lost his fight at the age of 66.

“His love of cars, bad jokes, dress ups and generally being the class clown (from the front of the class) would have made him the perfect co-driver for this rally.

“As a great friend of mine said to me, ‘Shitbox Rally would have been right up his Ali!’ Ba’doom, tish.”

Tim’s “Team Mario Shart” has gathered just under $18,000. Each of the 229 teams must raise a minimum of $4000 to participate. The overall aim is $1.4m.

To donate to Team Mario Shart go to https://shitboxrallyau-2016.everydayhero.com/au/team-mario-shart

by STEPHEN POLLOCK