The adventure-based competition showcasing the robust capabilities of the new Defender 130.
Defender, one of the world’s most legendary names in off-roading, synonymous with rugged terrains and the spirit of adventure, has just fired up the engines for their annual TRĕK competition for 2023. This year’s edition promises to be a terrain-tearing, skill-testing showdown, featuring the all-terrain prowess of the Defender 130. Built on the “embrace the impossible” ethos, this competition is a multi-day extravaganza that pushes the boundaries of off-road driving, navigation, and team skills.
In the preliminary rounds, over 400 retail employees engaged in adrenaline-pumping, head-to-head team and group challenges. Facilitated by the spacious and capable Defender 130, the competition took place at an adventure-based off-road facility near Austin, Texas. The Defender 130, which was the centerpiece of TRĕK 2023, boasts seating for eight, robust interiors, and an expanded cargo capacity. Custom gear such as off-road tires, Remote Control Electric Winch, additional LED lighting, and custom TRĕK badging elevated its off-roading capabilities to a whole new level. These customizations weren’t just for show, rather they were purpose-engineered enhancements that enabled the competitors to put the vehicle through its paces across various challenging terrains.
Ten retailer teams, each consisting of four members, triumphed in the qualifying sessions and will move on to the final competition scheduled from November 8-10. Notably, this year’s finals will take place across diverse locations in Texas, amping up the complexity and challenges for the participants. The overall winner will be crowned at Destination Defender, an outdoor weekend festival that celebrates the adventurous lifestyle synonymous with the Defender brand. Taking place on 2,400 sprawling acres at Iron Horse Ranch in Somerville, Texas, from November 10-12, Destination Defender aims to be the gathering point for Defender enthusiasts and the off-road community.
Charlotte Blank, US Chief Marketing Officer of Jaguar Land Rover North America, encapsulated the spirit of the competition, stating, “The TRĕK competition allows our retailers to understand the ‘Embrace the Impossible’ ethos of the Defender Brand. Passing down knowledge gained from years of off-road experience to our retailers and, ultimately, our clients is something we cherish each year.”
The TRĕK competition isn’t new to the Defender community. Originating in 1996, it took inspiration from the iconic Camel Trophy. After making a comeback in 2020, the competition has become an annual ritual, taking place in various locations such as The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, and the Land Rover Experience Center in Manchester, VT.
Image Source: Land Rover