For immediate release
Wednesday May, 24th 2017
SOUTH RACING UNVEILS CAN-AM MAVERICK X3 X RS VEHICLE
PROJECT FOR DAKAR RALLY AND SxS CATEGORY
● South Racing to develop new Dakar kit for Can-Am Maverick X3 X rs Side-by-Side (SxS)
● ASO to introduce new cost effective Side-by-Side (SxS) category for Dakar Rally
RÜSSELSHEIM (GERMANY): South Racing is delighted to announce that it will develop, market and run specialised Can-Am Maverick X3 vehicles in the new SxS category at the world-famous Dakar Rally.
The German-based car preparations company, which runs an impressive list of drivers in various off-road racing programmes around the world, is developing a kit for the Can-Am Maverick X3 SxS vehicle, to distribute into the global market.
Dakar Rally organisers, Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO), have implemented new regulations for the 2018 Dakar to accommodate the fast-growing market for SxS category vehicles.
The South Racing performance kit allows Can-Am Maverick X3 owners worldwide to upgrade their showroom vehicles with key safety and technical parts to adhere to the new sporting regulations. The aim is to create a more affordable entry category for drivers and for riders looking to switch from motorcycles or quads to the new category.
“This is great news for the sport in general,” said South Racing’s managing director Scott Abraham. “The SXS market has shown massive global growth and offers the ideal platform for a new generation of drivers to experience the sport. To collaborate with a premium company like BRP and the Can-Am brand is a great step for the team and we are expecting exciting and challenging times in the future.
“South Racing will develop the kits and also manage the global distribution, after sales and on-event support. The initial reaction for key markets in South America has been phenomenal, as well as in other regions of the world.”
“Since its introduction, the Can-Am Maverick X3 has great momentum worldwide. Being defiant, powerful and precise, this new benchmark in the sport segment provides an impressive experience to our consumers. Racers also recognised the Maverick X3 as an excellent platform to win, as demonstrated in its first race, Vegas to Reno (unlimited class). Now, with the experience and the expertise of South Racing, we’re excited to see the Maverick X3 participating at the Dakar Rally, especially given this new regulation,” said Olivier Camus, Director of Global Product Management for Can-Am.
Marc Coma, ASO’s sporting director, added: “The Side-by-Side category will open new horizons for many competitors. Being more cost effective, genuine and amateur oriented, we expect the category to become at the same time a clear stepping stone for new competitors, as well as a proper challenging category in itself.”
The ASO has begun a three-year plan for existing vehicles complying with category T3.3 regulations to ensure that existing vehicles will be able to race for the coming years. In 2018, there will be one category and one general classification to include any existing T3.3 vehicles and the new SxS machines.
By 2019, there will be two different classifications; a ‘general’ classification reserved for vehicles complying with SxS regulations and a second ‘open’ section for current T3.3 machines. T3.3 entries will fall back into the car category by 2020 and only SxS vehicles will be permitted in the new class. Final regulations will be published at the end of May 2017.
The 154hp Rotax ACE turbo-charged Can Am Maverick X3 X rs will be fitted with a roll cage and a fuel tank with a maximum capacity of 130 litres (34 US gallons) as well as other key performance upgrades. The wheelbase is limited to 2700mm (106.3 inches) and the maximum permitted engine cylinder capacity is 1050cm³, although a production turbo is permitted. Vehicles must have a minimum weight of 850kg (1,874 lbs) and limited wheel travel.
The kits will be available in the second half of 2017. South Racing will offer race, spare parts and logistics service on Dakar 2018 and several other international events.
For further information: contact Scott Abraham, South Racing, Email: Scott.Abraham@southracing.com, Tel: + 49 172 6662880.
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