Following an incredibly successful first season of exciting and close racing, off-road performance specialists Bowler unveiled the 2023 Defender Rally range. The Defender has proven to be an extremely robust, durable, and versatile platform for the series' development in the UK and other countries. The Defender Rally Series by Bowler is open to beginners and experienced drivers. It consists of 12 teams competing in nine races, including seven rounds of competition in identical Defender rally cars. After the first private round, fully supported teams participate in six public race rounds, developing the driving and organizational skills required in open motorsport competition.
The Defender Rally Series by Bowler builds on the popular Tata Elxsi Bowler Defender Challenge 2022 and is specially designed to allow participants to gain rally motorsport experience and knowledge and, thus, possibly move on to rally raid racing. Bowler can offer the necessary support and training to enable participants to be licensed to compete in the UK and internationally.
In the British Championship, you will find an inclusive team atmosphere with full technical support during individual races. The team's professional approach, with comprehensive spare parts, support during the race, and a team hospitality area, create a real paddock within the paddock. It underlines Bowler's unique offering and commitment to the sport. It has created a fantastic community between the current teams, which at the same time has been highly competitive. This has created an increasing demand in both the UK and abroad.
Race packages for the 2023 British Championship start at £108,334 (plus VAT). This includes the purchase and full ownership of a brand new, fully rebuilt rally car based on the latest registered Defender 90 P300, management for nine races, incl. seven race rounds with full factory support from a dedicated team of race technicians, event hospitality, professional advice, access to a fully equipped spares container and support unit and training. A registration fee must be paid to the race organizer in addition to the Bowler package.
There are many supplementary support options, including Arrive and Drive, where Bowler takes care of the rally car during the 2023 British Championship. The cars are professionally looked after, cleaned, inspected, repaired when necessary, stored between races, and delivered to each race in race-ready condition. The races are held in remote areas of the UK, making this option particularly attractive to busy or international drivers. Other options include license development and individually tailored training with a professional rally driver.
Calum McKechnie, Bowler General Manager, comments: "The 2022 Defender Bowler Championship has exceeded expectations in every area. As we expected, the latest Defender generation has proven to be a highly competent and extremely tough rally car that continues to surprise and excite everyone who has raced it. It has provided incredibly close competition between the teams while also competing aggressively against the competition in the open race rounds. The teamwork and relationships developed around the championship have primarily been a highlight that has attracted many new interested parties and customers."
Dave Marsh, Bowler Head of Motorsport, says: "We knew from our first test program with a not-yet-completed Defender that we had the foundation for a rally car with good balance and stability in race conditions – something that is essential for new drivers but also gives experienced drivers fantastic opportunities. The big test was always going to be whether our 2022 competitors agreed. And the answer has been an unequivocal yes! It's been fantastic to see the relative performance of the cars against the very intense competition in the different races selected for the championship."
The 2023 British Championship will draw even more from Bowler's pedigree and experience, which has helped this year's racers hone their skills. The competition in the 2023 season will be even sharper in a car that will make a splash wherever it goes. Bowler is pleased to offer this opportunity, which provides unique challenges, adventures, and experiences that personify Bowler's team spirit and heritage.
