A host of loaded Defender 90 P300 sport utility vehicles (SUV) are set to compete in the 2023 UK Defender Rally Championship.
Each competing Defender 90 P300 will be equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline mill mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with a four-wheel-drive drivetrain. This setup makes 291 horsepower (hp) and 400Nm of torque.
Other specifications set for the competing Defender 90 P300 rally cars include changes in the structural body and chassis, performance add-ons, and updated electrical systems.
The event is hosted by Bowler Motors, a United Kingdom (UK)-based off-road performance specialist.
Packages for the 2023 UK Defender Rally Championship reportedly start at £108,334 (P7.222 million). This includes the purchase and full ownership of a brand-new, fully converted rally car, based upon the latest road-registered model year Defender 90 P300. The amount is also said to cover the management of nine events, including seven competitive championship rounds with full works support consisting of a dedicated team of race technicians, event hospitality, and professional guidance. The said package also allows access to a fully stocked “spares” container and support unit, plus training.
A number of additional support options are said to be available. These include “Arrive and Drive” where the rally car is entirely managed by Bowler for the duration of the 2023 UK Championship. The service is said to come with professional management, cleaning, inspection, and repair. “Arrive and Drive” managed vehicles will reportedly be delivered to the owners each round, ready to race.
Rounds are said to take place in remote areas around the UK, which makes the “Arrive and Drive” option particularly attractive for time-restricted or international drivers. Further options include license development and bespoke training delivered by a professional rally driver.
“The 2022 Defender Bowler Championship has exceeded expectations on all fronts. As we anticipated, the latest generation Defender has proven to be a highly capable and extremely tough rally car that continues to surprise and thrill anyone who has experienced it. It has delivered incredibly close competition amongst the teams whilst still competing aggressively against the competition in the open rounds. Above all, the team camaraderie and relationships formed around the Championship have been a highlight which has attracted many new interested customers,” said Bowler General Manager Calum McKechnie.
A provisional schedule has been released for the 2023 UK Defender Rally Championship. It is scheduled to start in March and will conclude in November.
“We knew from our initial test program with a pre-production Defender we had the basis of a rally car that would deliver great poise and stability under race conditions — essential for new drivers but still bringing great capability for experienced drivers. The big test was always going to be whether our 2022 competitors agreed, the answer has been an unequivocal yes! It’s been fantastic to see the cars’ relative performance against very serious competition in the diverse range of events selected for the Championship,” commented Bowler Head of Motorsport Dave Marsh.
Interested participants can now apply for the 2023 season at Bowler Motors’ website (bowlermotors.com).
Photos from Bowler Motors
Also read:
Land Rover introduces Defender 130
‘No Time to Die’ Land Rover Defender cars raise over P23-M at auction
Copyright © Carmudi 2014-2024. All Rights Reserved.
