What's the news?

Land Rover has announced its sponsorship of the 2014 Defender Challenge by Bowler; it is a continuation of the strategic partnership between Land Rover and Bowler announced in 2012. The Defender Challenge is designed to give both novice and more seasoned teams the experience required to compete in the Dakar rally and other international rally raid events. Competitors will use specially prepared Land Rover Defenders.

Each car is based on the Defender 90 Hard Top with power increased from 120- to 170hp, a special suspension set-up including 18-inch wheels and Kumho control tyres. A MSA-approved roll cage and fire extinguisher are installed and the cars remain road legal so they can be driven to events if required.

Provisional dates for the 2014 series have been announced with the first event on 2nd March in Mid Wales. Further rounds take place throughout the year at locations including Somerset, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Dorset and Scotland.

Defender Challenge cars are available exclusively through Bowler Motorsport and cost £50,000 plus VAT. Entry to the Challenge costs between £10,000 and £14,000 depending on the package chosen. The series is regulated by the MSA (Motor Sports Association) and the Defender Challenge cars are FIA-compliant allowing competitors to participate in international events.

Anything else?

Mark Cameron, Land Rover Global Brand Experience Director, said: "Land Rover is delighted to be supporting Bowler with the Defender Challenge in what is the next step in our long-term strategic partnership.

"The Defender Challenge by Bowler rally series will push the iconic Defender's breadth of capability beyond established boundaries - it is the ideal accessible platform to provide customers with an entry-level rally series and for those who are considering entering world-stage rally-raids such as the Dakar."