Sometimes needing GPS co-ordinates to find their way on barely detectable tracks, challenged by a night creek crossing, steep escarpments and adrenalin-pumping performance events,
the teams continued their expedition. For car number six the challenge looked ready to end on the first night when drivers experienced a gearbox problem at around 10pm. Not to be cheated from their chance at winning the Cranky Jack Trophy, and with the help of willing accomplices, the Adrian Parker Family in car zero, they were towed 130 kilometres back to Esperance. Once in Esperance a replacement gearbox was found, a changeover was made then both cars trekked back just in time for breakfast. During their journey the Cranky Jack teams stopped for a well deserved break, with panoramic views of the sheer cliffs on the Bight, before heading to Balladonia to re-fuel. The Cranky Jack Challenge spanned 1,300 kilometres over three-and-a-half days and ended with car number eight Barry Wroth and Bernie Van Denbogert winners of the overall event. Close runners-up were Adrian and Lisa Parker, with their two daughters Ashley and Chloe in car zero. The Parkers were winners of the performance trophy followed, in a tie with equal points, by car 27 John Maxwell and Aaron Pursell and Rookies in car 53, Peter Parker, Aaron Parker and Bradley Thorp. Cranky Jack also provides resources for Western Australian year 12 and gap students to travel and be involved in humanitarian projects.
So far Cranky Jack has funded two students in Kazakhstan to go to university and has assisted 16 Western Australian young people to work in orphanages, women