Challenge Trophy — Modern 2WD
The cost-effective way to tackle ‘The World’s Best Marathon Gravel Rally’. Same epic route and format as Historic — seven days, huge stage mileage, and a friendly paddock — in a modern 2WD build.
What is Challenge Trophy?
A modern 2WD category designed for accessible, great-value builds. Cars are classed by capacity and induction, with sensible rules to keep racing close and costs in check.
- Seven days across iconic North Island stages
- Same itinerary and operations as Historic
- Welcoming paddock culture and strong parts support
Classing & Eligibility
Capacity classes E–H
Cars are grouped by engine size (true cc) with equivalency factors applied for forced induction and rotary engines.
Example builds
- Fiesta ST / Swift Sport (FWD)
- GT86/BRZ, MX-5, BMW E36/E46 (RWD)
- Period N/A hot hatches with light prep
Keep it reliable
The marathon rewards robust setups: cooling, brakes, dampers, and proper protection. Fancy isn’t required — finishing fast is.
Tech highlights
- Tyres: Gravel rally tyres recommended (control or open per regs)
- Brakes: Quality pads/fluids; cooling and dust protection matter
- Dampers: Proper rally rates with adequate travel & bump-stops
- Protection: Sump/underbody guards; clean wiring for RallySafe
Safety checklist
- Certified Roll Cage, FIA Seats & Belts
- FIA fire-retardant suit, underwear, balaclava, boots & gloves
- Helmet with head-restraint posts + HANS/Simpson device
- Fire extinguisher, two triangles, first aid kit
- RallySafe wiring kit, tow rope, window breaker/belt cutter
See the published Event Regulations for definitive requirements.
Value you can feel
Challenge Trophy keeps budgets sensible while maximising what matters — kilometres on closed roads. Expect early starts, tight operations, and plenty of time on stage.
- Big stage mileage vs. typical multi-day rallies
- Lower consumable burn with smart pace & prep
- Shared parts/support among friendly competitors
A day in Challenge Trophy
6:00am start → documentation, warm-up, road book. Morning and afternoon loops with 1–2 service halts, plus lunch. Evenings are for wash-down, checks and planning tomorrow’s run.
- Multiple stages per day, average ~25–30 km
- Early nights — the marathon rewards rest
Who it’s for
- Drivers seeking marathon rally experience without historic eligibility
- Teams with modern 2WD builds (club, national or rally-sprint spec)
- Young crews stepping up to long-format events
Challenge Trophy FAQs
How are E–H classes calculated?
By true engine capacity with equivalency factors applied: overbore +1.5 mm, forced induction ×1.7, rotary ×1.8. The final class breakpoints are confirmed in the Event Regulations.
Is 2WD only?
Yes. Challenge Trophy is for FWD or RWD only. Looking for early 4WD? See Classic 4WD (Pre-1996).
What spares should we plan?
Pads, fluids, filters, belts, underbody hardware, a spare damper/spring per corner if possible, plus puncture contingency. Most crews share tools to reduce weight and cost.
Ready to enter Challenge Trophy?
Send us your EOI and we’ll guide you on classing, regs and prep.