The rally marks the end of the year’s fundraising efforts and have raised $300,902 for cystic fibrosis between a total of 34 cars and it was the highest fundraiser to date.

Of the cars representing the Riverina, all but one car finished in the top 10.

“Riverina crews came first, second, third, fourth and fifth,” said Leeton’s Craig Willis.

“With only one car missing out on the top 10 spot.” 

The 11 day rally proved to be more challenging than expected.

“It was unique as it’s usually a 10-day rally,” Mr Willis said.

Recent rains forced teams to reevaluate their routes on the fly to avoid flooded areas..

“The weather played a massive factor in what we did this year,” Mr Willis said.

“Six out of our 11 days were completely unplanned.

“We couldn’t get to the Birdsville Races as per the original plan.

“It closed off a lot of the dirt roads and bits and pieces, we made alternate plans and had an absolute ball on the way.

“Sometimes the unplanned things turn out to be the best at the end of the day.”

Driving two wheel drive vehicles posed a challenge for the racers.

The crews took pride in making their way through areas that four wheel drive support vehicles couldn’t.

“One day one little car got bogged, so then a four wheel dive came through to help and they got bogged,” said Leeton driver Roz Thompson.

“Then another four wheel drive came and they got bogged too. It took one of the rally cars to get them all out.”

In spite of the difficult routes, racers still managed to have some fun. One story returned of an individual in hip waders, waist deep in water frantically waving at others, only to stand up and reveal water just deep enough to cover his ankles.

“The crowd of 130 people we travelled with was just phenomenal,” Willis said.

“It was probably one of the best out of the last 15 years that we’ve ever done.” On their return, crews drove more than 6500 kilometres.

Thet thanked the Leeton community for helping make the rally a success.