TGR Staff - Images via Land Rover - 11/21/2024
Few brands embody adventure quite like Land Rover, and the Defender TRĕK competition is the ultimate test of capability, ingenuity, and teamwork. This year, TRĕK 2024 is back, inviting Defender retailers from across the U.S. and Canada to prove their mettle in a series of grueling off-road challenges. Taking place at the picturesque yet rugged Land Rover Experience Center at Quail Lodge & Golf Club, the competition pushes participants to embrace the impossible while showcasing the iconic Defender’s legendary all-terrain performance.
Originally inspired by the Camel Trophy’s legendary trials, TRĕK was established in 1996 to test the off-road expertise of Land Rover’s retail teams. After a hiatus, it made a roaring comeback in 2020, and subsequent editions have taken the competition to places like the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., and Hidden Falls Adventure Park in Marble Falls, Texas. For 2024, the competition reaches new heights, both literally and figuratively, as teams navigate the challenging terrain of Carmel’s hills and valleys.
TRĕK 2024 isn’t just about driving over boulders or wading through water crossings—it’s an opportunity for Defender retailers to live the brand ethos, connecting them with the vehicles and the adventure that inspires their customers. Teams of four, comprised of sales, service, and technical staff, have undergone rigorous trials to qualify for the finals, honing skills in navigation, off-road driving, and teamwork along the way.
As Sam Allen, Defender Brand Director, puts it, “The TRĕK competition is a highly anticipated event that celebrates the adventurous spirit of Defender. It’s a chance for our retailers to step into the shoes of their most passionate customers, fully embracing the brand’s capability and ethos.”
The star of the show is, of course, the Defender TRĕK vehicle itself. Based on the 2024 Defender 110 S, this special build is more than just a pretty face. Beneath its 3M Pearl White wrap and custom TRĕK livery lies a beast engineered for the wild. Powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, the Defender TRĕK is equipped with an Off-Road Pack, Advanced Off-Road Capability Pack, and Air Suspension Pack. Its 18-inch steel wheels, wrapped in off-road tires, offer over 11 inches of ground clearance, ensuring no obstacle is too daunting.
Custom TRĕK Pack additions, such as Proud Rhino rock sliders and recovery ramps, add to the vehicle’s already impressive capability. And when the sun sets, the 4-pod roof light kit illuminates the path forward, keeping the adventure alive.
After intense qualifying trials held from November 6–15, the top 10 teams have secured their spots in the TRĕK Finals, set to take place from November 20–23. These finalists will face off in a series of even tougher challenges, where precision driving, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the Defender will be put to the ultimate test.
For those lucky enough to compete, TRĕK 2024 is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of what makes the Defender a true icon. From its storied past to its cutting-edge engineering, the Defender remains a beacon for explorers, adventurers, and anyone who dares to push the boundaries.
For Land Rover enthusiasts, TRĕK serves as a reminder of the brand’s unwavering commitment to capability, adventure, and authenticity—values that resonate far beyond the trails of Carmel. Whether you’re behind the wheel or simply dreaming of the journey, TRĕK 2024 embodies the spirit of adventure that lies at the heart of Defender.
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