Following a hugely successful first season of exciting and close fought competition, off-road performance specialists Bowler have today announced the Defender Rally Series for 2023.
- Unique Defender production-based championship from off-road performance specialists Bowler
- Both RHD and LHD vehicles available for the first time due to international demand
- UK Championship is based over seven rounds incorporating both Gravel and Hill Rallies throughout Scotland, England and Wales
- Drivers receive dedicated race support and infrastructure from highly experienced Bowler Works crew
- 2023 rally specification enables progression to international competitions
- Applications now open for 2023 season of competition – visit bowlermotors.com for more details
Following a hugely successful first season of exciting and close fought competition, off-road performance specialists Bowler have today announced the Defender Rally Series for 2023. The Defender has proven to be an incredibly tough, durable and capable platform from which to grow the series in the UK and beyond. Designed for novices and competition veterans alike, the Defender Rally Series by Bowler consists of 12 teams taking part in nine events, including seven competitive rounds in identical Defender rally cars. After the first private round, fully supported teams participate in six rounds of public events in which they will develop both the driving and organisational skills required of open competitive motorsport.
Building on the popularity of the Tata Elxsi Bowler Defender Challenge for 2022, the Defender Rally Series by Bowler has been specifically designed to offer entrants the chance to gain rally motorsport experience and know-how, facilitating progression to rally-raid events. Bowler can offer the necessary support and training enabling entrants to achieve the correct licencing in order to compete in the UK and internationally.
The UK Championship provides an inclusive team atmosphere with full technical support on hand at every event. The professional presence of the team, with comprehensive on-event spares support and team hospitality area creates a true paddock within the paddock and underlines Bowler’s unique proposition and commitment to the sport. As a result, the camaraderie among current teams has been exceptional while still remaining highly competitive, with demand continuing to grow within the UK and overseas.
Packages for the 2023 UK Championship will start at £108,334 (plus VAT). This includes purchase and full ownership of a brand-new, fully converted rally car, based upon the latest road registered model year Defender 90 P300, management through nine events, including seven competitive championship rounds with full works support consisting of a dedicated team of race technicians, event hospitality, professional guidance, access to a fully stocked spares container and support unit, plus training. Competition organiser race entry fees are additional to the Bowler package.
A number of additional support options are available, these include Arrive and Drive whereby the rally car is entirely managed by Bowler for the duration of the 2023 UK Championship; cars are professionally managed, cleaned, inspected, repaired where required, stored between competitions and delivered to each round ready to race. Rounds take place in remote areas around the UK so this option is particularly attractive for time poor or international drivers. Further options include licence 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 which 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.
