Apache Automotive has created the Apache Cup, a “race within a race” that pits Apache APH-03 drivers against each other.

At participating races, whoever has the highest overall finish among those in APH-03s will win that round for the Cup. A specific schedule has not immediately been revealed.

The company posted the following on Thursday:

Apache Automobile is redefining the rules of rally-raid.

It’s official: introducing the Apache Cup, a race within a race, integrated into the world’s biggest rally-raid events. Reserved exclusively for the APH-03, our iconic challenger, winner of the Africa Eco Race and the first hybrid vehicle to cross the finish line of the Dakar Rally. Built to withstand the harshest conditions. Designed for the best teams.

At the heart of the Apache Cup:

APH-03 teams won’t just be aiming for victory in their category…

They’ll also be in contention for the overall ranking of each rally where the Cup is held. Double the race. Double the challenge. Double the pride.

Perks of the Apache Cup:

• 100% APH-03 grid: same car, pure head-to-head between crews
• Dual ranking: Cup + overall
• Optimized entry fees
• Factory support and dedicated technical assistance
• Exclusive Apache Cup prizes and awards.
• The APACHE CUP is:
  • A new platform
  • A springboard to discover talent
  • A return to basics: the driver/co-driver duo at the heart of the action.

Registrations open soon. At Apache Automobile, we don’t just build vehicles. We forge legends.

Get ready. The desert hasn’t seen anything yet.

Apache Cup: Same ride. Same terrain. Twice the stakes.

Such a concept isn’t entirely new. Yamaha has operated the YXZ1000R Cup since 2019, a subseries of various European cross-country series like the FIA European Baja Cup for Yamaha YXZ1000R drivers. The Hungarian Cross-Country Rally Championship recently introduced the PowerRace Cup for SSVs in the UP class.

Apache Automotive is the first manufacturer of hybrid Challenger cars, and is currently the only marque to compete in the T3.U subcategory for such vehicles. Their first model, the APH-0, was introduced in 2023 before winning the 2024 Africa Eco Race with Gautier Paulin.

The APH-03 raced the Dakar Rally for the first time in January with Antoine Meo. Although he finished 34th in Challenger, he placed as high as eighth in Stage 10. Another APH-03, privately owned by Yannick Panagiotis, will race the Baja Aragón later in July.

Featured image credit: GCK Performance