IN A world where Bashes and Bashers can mean a tough but fun motoring experience, it is perhaps little wonder that such a charity venture also promotes a baby "Basher" as a mascot.
The reason to include an infant in the upcoming Variety NSW Dick Smith B to B Bash harks back to last year's event when Gena Signorini, 35, of Cronulla, found out she was pregnant the day after she competed for the first time.
The 2014 event commemorates the first Dick Smith-inspired race on the dusty roads from Bourke to Burketown to support Variety, the children's charity.
The national non-profit organisation helps Australian children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.
Participants must raise a minimum of $8500 to enter.
At 11 weeks and too young for this year's bash, the Signorini-Gray baby, Francesca, or Frankie, will be the unofficial mascot for the 1972 Leyland Mini Clubman, in which her dad Daniel Gray and his friend Richard Loder will travel.
There will be six state and territory bashes occurring consecutively, each travelling a different route before meeting in Sydney on Sunday, August 17.
It is expected the colourful convoy of 300 Bashers and 90 vehicles will take to their route from Brisbane.
Ms Signorini was Penelope Pittstop last year, to her husband's Mutley the dog and their friend Mr Loder was Dick Dastardly.
Frankie will be dressed up this year as a miniature Mutley and a miniature Penelope Pittstop.
"I wouldn't miss seeing off Daniel, particularly as a new parent," Ms Signorini said.
"The cause really hits home for me because we've seen how Variety helps kids, from specialty swings in parks, to children in remote hospitals and kids with disabilities."
Organisers said there were no other participating bashers from St George and Sutherland Shire this year.
See more at the Variety Bash website.
