JAX Tyres & Auto Gosford franchisee Peter Bonvino and his Shitbox Rally co-driver Nathan Metcalfe have been commended in NSW Parliament by Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch.
Tesch spoke warmly of the pair’s fundraising efforts for the Cancer Council as the brothers-in-law took part in this year’s Shitbox Rally.
Sponsored by JAX Tyres & Auto, along with a multitude of others, the duo recently completed the daunting 2,500km journey in their 2001 Toyota Camry from Port Douglas to Adelaide across some of Australia’s most unforgiving terrain.
Abiding by the rules of the Shitbox Rally, the car was taken off the hands of a Brazilian backpacker on his way to the airport for $1,400, back in February 2023, and passed under the chequered flag in Adelaide intact on Friday October 20.
“Well done to Peter Bonvino and his brother-in-law, Nathan Metcalfe, in playing their part to raise a mighty $2M in support of Cancer Council’s fight against cancer,” Tesch told Parliament.
“It’s a large undertaking, and for a worthy cause.
“Cancer touches so many of us and our loved ones, so it’s fundraisers like this that allow the Cancer Council to continue their work in cancer research.”
Bonvino said he was grateful for the community’s support.
“Nathan and I always knew it was going to be a lot of fun tackling this challenge together, but we didn’t realise it would attract the support and attention of so many others,” he said.
“To carry the names of so many loved ones lost to cancer with us on the journey was incredibly special, not to mention the money we were able to raise for others affected by cancer.
“To receive this commendation is the icing on the cake, and we’d like to thank Ms Tesch for her kind words.”
JAX Tyres & Auto CEO, Steve Grossrieder, said the company couldn’t be prouder of the men’s efforts.
“They’re truly deserving of all the support and recognition they’ve received, and we can’t wait to see them back on the road together,” he said.
Inspired by this year’s experience, Metcalfe said it might not yet be time to put the beloved Camry out to pasture.
“We’re gunning for next year’s Shitbox Rally for sure,” he said.
“With just one tyre blow-out along the way this year, she’s got plenty more life in her yet, so stay tuned for Sons of AnaCamry Season Two.”