A SILSDEN-BASED off-road racing team has secured a sponsorship deal to help them compete in a series of UK and European events.

X3 Racing have received backing from BRP, a leader in the design, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recreational and utility vehicles, to race the new Can-Am Maverick X3 vehicle (pictured).

The association is part of the team’s strategic investment and development plan, which aims to create new jobs and opportunities in Silsden and the surrounding area, bolstering its staff of six employees.

The programme includes the 2017 British Cross Country Championship that takes place over six stages in England, Scotland and Wales; the French Rally Tout Terrain races in the Pyrenees, Soissons and Evreux, and the Scottish Cross Country Championship, taking place in Galashiels, Bathgate, Forrest and Huntley.

As part of the association, the X3 Racing team will be promoting BRP’s Can-Am racing pedigree and recreational heritage to assist in increasing awareness of the Can-Am off-road brand and the vehicle’s many features and benefits.

These include 24 inches of suspension travel and up to 15 inches of ground clearance.

Adam Evans, founder of X3 Racing, said: “The team’s drivers will be myself and Simon Adams.

“We have a vast amount of experience racing two, four, six and eight-wheeled vehicles, including riding in the Dakar Rally.

“We’re confident our expertise will assist us in winning races with the Can-Am Maverick X3 vehicle.”

Paul Wood, BRP commercial manager UK and Ireland, added: “The Can-Am Maverick X3 vehicle is a high-performance vehicle and the association with X3 Racing is a significant platform to highlight the vehicle’s power and performance in some of the toughest terrains and races.

“We look forward to cheering on the vehicle that will be driven by two talented and experienced drivers and, fingers crossed, it will be the star of the show.”