Even without any info, ‘Defender Challenge’ is a damned cool name for a motorsport series. You want to spend the weekend racing in the Defender Challenge; it just sounds right.
Today Land Rover has announced its sponsorship of Bowler’s new championship, beginning in 2014. Full details have been released of the car specification and series itinerary, which make for rather interesting reading.
The car is a development of the Land Rover from our original Bowler story. Based on a Defender 90 Hard Top, power from the 2.2-litre diesel is up from 120hp to 170hp. Bowler’s tweaks focus on the induction and the engine’s electronics; company founder Drew Bowler told us the 50hp gain was fairly easy, with the potential for extra potentially to come. Torque is 332lb ft, up from 266.
The 18-inch lightweight wheels are fitted with control Kuhmo tyres. A motorsport-spec suspension upgrade, comprising new springs, dampers, anti-roll bars and bushes, is standard on every Defender Challenge car.
Cabin complies with all MSA and MSA off-road regs
The interior has also been overhauled for competition use. Bowler is keen for the Defender Challenge cars to compete outside of the designated events so it has been built to comply with all MSA and FIA off-road racing regs. To that end, there’s an MSA-approved cage and fire extinguisher, plus racing seats with six-point harnesses.
The car remains road legal though if you fancy driving to each event in proper grassroots style. Bowler will offer a service pack option, allowing for storage and transport of the Defender plus access to the Bowler mechanics.
With more customers coming to Bowler with little or no rally experience but wanting to compete, the Defender Challenge has been created to cater to their demands. The Challenge car and series will allow them a taste of competitive rallying, whilst also providing something new for customers coming from other series.
170hp could be just the start...
From speaking with Drew Bowler, it’s the proposed flexibility of the Defender Challenge that makes it so exciting. He’s aiming for a broad range of customers and abilities, between 15 and 20, to compete in the 2014 season.
The Defender Challenge is a seven-event championship, taking place within rallies across the UK. The season is scheduled to begin on March 2 at the Mid Wales Stages and run until November with the Scottish Hill Rally. For those feeling more adventurous, Bowler will use its extensive experience to prep the car the Dakar or any other rally raid event that takes your fancy.
Bowler has set aside a training day in February for drivers and co-drivers but plans to run more depending on experience. If you need more, Bowler will run more.
Defender Challenge will run across 7 events in 2014
Of course, this sort of package does come at a cost. The Defender Challenge car costs £50,000 plus VAT from Bowler (it wouldn’t really fit in with the Evoques at an LR dealer, would it?) and the competition costs vary. At present, the most expensive season package is £14,000, which covers everything down to providing helmet and overalls and the necessary race licence. For more experienced racers with equipment and other necessities, Bowler quotes a £10,000 season entry fee. Again, these may change dependent on customer requirements.
Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? We’ll endeavour to keep you updated on the championship, and hopefully drive a Defender Challenge too. Watch this space...