Lamborghini currently has its one-make Blancpain Super Trofeo racing series and now Land Rover and Bowler are launching their very own one-make rally series. The series, dubbed the Defender Challenge, is operated by Bowler Motorsport and will act as a feeder series for tough events including the Dakar Rally.
The car used will come in the form of a modified Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Top which is powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine delivering a total of 170 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. That engine is then mated to a six-speed manual transmission obviously powering all four wheels.
Other features separating this race-spec Land Rover Defender from the regular car is its roll cage, fire extinguisher system, new suspension and dampers, springs, roll bars, bushings, lightweight front bumper, intercom system, 18-inch wheels with off-roading Kumho tyres as well as an optional Bowler brake package and a few minor tweaks here and there.
The seven round series will take place solely through the U.K. next year but each racer will be FIA compliant meaning competitors can compete internationally. As long as you have the 50,000 pounds to purchase the Defender Challenger car from Bowler Motorsport and the entry-fee which varies from $16,000 to $22,450, anyone can compete.
The calendar is as follows:
2nd March Mid Wales Stages: Newtown, Wales
20th April Somerset Stages: Minehead, Somerset
7th June Dukeries Rally: Southwell, Nottinghamshire
19th / 20th July Welsh Hill Rally: Walters Arena, Swansea
30th August Woodpecker Stages: Ludlow, Shropshire
24th/ 25th October Sunseeker Rallye: Poole, Dorset
Mid November Scottish Hill Rally: Dumfries, Scotland
