Stellantis South Africa has announced a substantial multi-year investment into the country’s fast-growing gravel racing and trail-running scene, reinforcing its commitment to mobility, community engagement and active lifestyles.
Paid partnership with The Leverage Corporation
Stellantis’ partnership, in collaboration with The Leverage Corporation, will see the company contribute prizemoney, media support, and a fleet of event vehicles to a series of Gauteng-based endurance races. These include some of South Africa’s most established gravel events – The Grind, Luxliner Route 66, Magalies Rocks the Cradle, Cradle Mountain Trophy and Magalies Adventure. Together, these events will form the backbone of the newly created Stellantis Adventure Series, officially launching in 2026.
The Stellantis Adventure Series will award points to the top 10 Overall Men and Women at each race, culminating in a significant R350 000 series prize purse, with R100 000 each going to the overall winners. The combined prize pool across all events will exceed R500 000, a significant financial commitment to gravel racing in South Africa.
The investment by Stellantis also ensures each event pays prizemoney for the top five men and top three women at each round, while a race summary will be flighted on SuperSport after each of the five events.
Also included in the Stellantis Adventure Series is the Mini Kei Trek, an increasingly popular, scenic one-day mountain bike race in Morgan Bay, Eastern Cape with 60km, 45km and 20km distance options.
As the official mobility partner, Stellantis will supply support vehicles throughout the series to ensure safety and operational efficiency. Spectators and participants will also have the opportunity to experience the Stellantis brand portfolio through dedicated test-drive activations at select events. With global brands such as Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Opel, Peugeot, Fiat, and Leapmotor, the lineup offers vehicles well suited to outdoor adventure and rugged terrain.
The support extends beyond cycling, with Stellantis also committing to two key trail-running initiatives:
• The Dolphin Spotter Trail Run in Morgan Bay at the end of September 2026
• The six-event Prison Break Market Run Series (5km, 10km and 15km fun runs/ walks)
Charl Timms, Commercial Director at Stellantis South Africa, says the partnership reflects the company’s values and long-term vision. “Endurance sport embodies the resilience, innovation and spirit of exploration that define our business. Through the Stellantis Adventure Series, we have an opportunity to connect with South Africans in a meaningful way while showcasing the strengths of our brands. These events unite athletes, families and communities, and we are excited to help support and elevate the gravel and trail-running disciplines in South Africa.”
Rob Jackson, Managing Director of The Leverage Corporation, says the investment will fundamentally shift what’s possible for the sport. “Partnering with Stellantis is a game changer for gravel cycling and trail running. Their support gives us the platform and resources to grow participation, enhance prize incentives, and deliver a genuinely world-class experience. The Stellantis Adventure Series represents the start of something special – not just for elite competitors, but for every athlete who loves adventure.”
With the Stellantis Adventure Series set to launch in 2026, South Africa’s endurance community can look forward to a new era of competition, energy and innovation.
For more information on The Leverage Corporation’s events, visit www.leveragecorporation.co.za
The Stellantis South Africa brand websites are: www.jeep.co.za | www.peugeot.co.za | www.opel.co.za | www.alfaromeo.co.za | www.leapmotor.co.za | www.citroën.co.za | www.fiat.co.za
