2024 Defender Rally Series: A New Chapter in Off-Road Motorsport Excellence

Explore the thrilling 2024 Defender Rally Series, featuring a diverse field of drivers and the toughest terrains, marking a historic season in off-road racing.

Land Rover Defender has unveiled the lineup for the 2024 Defender Rally Series, featuring vehicles and drivers set to participate in the opening round of the UK championship on the upcoming Saturday, March 2. The series this year boasts the largest competitive field in its history, accommodating up to 16 driver and co-driver pairings for each event, thus positioning it as the premier one-make off-road motorsport championship in the UK. With applications for the 2025 series already in high demand, the initiative continues to draw interest from across the motorsport community.

The season’s drivers present a broad spectrum of experience, ranging from novices and track-day aficionados to seasoned veterans of circuit and off-road racing. They will all receive the benefit of expert driver coaching and works support throughout the season. Each competing Defender 90 will sport a distinctive rendition of the new 2024 championship livery, tailored to each competitor with a unique statement colour set against a signature black pattern.

Mark Cameron, the Managing Director for Defender and Discovery, expressed pride in showcasing the brand’s all-terrain vehicles under the demanding conditions of the rally series. He highlighted the series as a testament to the adventurous spirit inherent to the brand, where competitors, with minimal specialist rally preparation, tackle a series of challenging tasks to test both vehicle and crew endurance.

The rally-ready Defenders, closely mirroring the P300 production models, are equipped with additional safety features like race-specification seats, an FIA-approved roll cage, and fire extinguishers. They utilize the same 300PS Ingenium petrol engine, eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, and advanced All-Wheel Drive system found in showroom models. All mechanical enhancements, rally support, competition entries, and vehicle logistics are managed by Bowler’s expert team.

The third annual series, featuring seven rounds, kicks off with a unique Defender event at Walters Arena in Wales (2–3 March). Each round is meticulously designed to offer both a challenge and excitement, allowing competitors to hone their skills in a tightly contested field. This is true for both newcomers to rallying and seasoned drivers aiming to advance to higher-level competitions.

Calum McKechnie, General Manager at Bowler Motors, remarked on the scale of the 2024 series and its role in offering participants the chance to experience the Defender at its finest, tackling some of the UK’s most challenging rally terrains. He emphasized the combination of engineering integrity of showroom models with Bowler’s expertise and support, which collectively deliver an unparalleled off-road racing experience. He shared his enthusiasm for the new UK season and the expanding roster of international events.

Among the competitors embracing Defender’s 'embrace the impossible' ethos in the 2024 series are notable figures such as former Boyzone member Shane Lynch and Vanessa Ruck, an adventure motorcycle racer and content creator. Ruck, who finished fourth in the 2023 UK Championship with multiple podiums, is also set to compete in the European Baja Championship this year.

In addition to the UK series, participants are offered the opportunity to partake in specially curated international events throughout 2024. The European Baja Championship, part of the Defender Rally Series, includes four events starting in Wales and moving through France, Spain, and Iceland. These events are particularly aimed at competitors in their second year of the series who possess the necessary rally licence. Furthermore, the unique Balkan Rally-Raid Experience, a singular race event, is scheduled for September, featuring more than 500km of competitive driving.

Source: Land Rover