Defender goes rallying with Bowler

Drew Bowler built his brand of rally vehicles through the late ’80s, ’90s and 2000s using a range of Land Rover-based vehicles that competed in the UK and on the global stage in top-tier events such as the Dakar and Baja Rallies. Some of the most memorable Bowler vehicles included the Defender-derived Bowler Bobcat and Bulldog.

That was until Andy Bowler’s passing in 2016, and shortly afterwards the Bowler company was acquired by JLR to work closer with the manufacturer.

The latest result of the closer ties will see the new Land Rover Defender 90 modified for rallying in its own, single-make series to be conducted in the UK in 2022.

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The Defender-derived Bowler Bulldog

The Defenders will be stripped of all their road-going features for competition and fitted with safety items such as a full FIA-spec roll cage, racing seats and harnesses, and a fire-suppression system. Underneath, the suspension subframes have been modified and braced for increased strength and to accept Fox shock absorbers that have been specifically developed for the cars. The rally suspension sees the Challenge Defenders riding 25mm higher than a standard coil-sprung vehicle.

All the rally Defenders will be powered by the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine backed by the standard eight-speed automatic transmission, which gets steering column-mounted shift paddles for the drivers. Rally-spec 18-inch wheels will be standard across the cars.

“The development of the new Bowler Defender Challenge rally car perfectly illustrates the mutual benefits of Bowler joining Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said Michael van der Sande, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations.

“Our technical support married to Bowler’s legendary rally expertise has turned the extraordinarily capable Defender into a purposeful competition machine. The Bowler Defender Challenge will prove the Defender’s durability through some of the toughest conditions, while providing an exciting and accessible entry point into all-terrain motorsport for a new generation of Bowler and Land Rover customers.”

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Defender 90 in Pangea Green

The Bowler Defender Challenge will run over seven rounds, all in the UK, with dates and locations to be announced later in the year. There are 12 entries available for the one-make series, with each team competing in identical Bowler-prepared Defenders.

For those with limited experience or none, Bowler can offer training and support to gain the necessary licence before moving directly to the series.

Entry into the Challenge will set competitors back around £99,500 which includes a Bowler-prepared Defender Challenge car, entry into the 2022 series, and event support. Options include training, series logistics and vehicle support at all rounds.

While it might be a hoot to race a rally-prepared Defender against other like-minded people, the boon for regular Land Rover owners is that the Challenge will spawn a range of accessories that will be available further down the track.

The old adage that racing improves the breed rings true and having access to factory-approved, Bowler-developed parts for your Defender will be a good thing.