YOU DRIVE A WHAT?

THINK THE SSANGYONG MUSSO PICK-UP RACING CHALLENGE IS UNUSUAL? THEN CONSIDER THESE OFF-THE-WALL CHAMPIONSHIPS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

FORD TRANSIT TROPHY

If you can race pick-ups, then you can race vans: that was probably the thinking behind this Portuguese series, which featured lowered and stripped-down third-generation Transits powered by 173bhp Duratorq 2.2-litre diesel engines. Despite providing entertaining racing, the championship ended in 2011.

MALOSSI PIAGGIO APE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Is the Piaggio Ape the least likely candidate for a racing series? This tuk-tuk-cum-three-wheel van, which produces a brawny 10bhp from its 200cc single-cylinder engine, looks as unstable as they come, yet a world championship ran as recently as 2015.

SMART 4TWO CUP

UK Smart specialist Smarts4you supports a championship for modified Smart cars, which use uprated parts it sells for road cars. The championship, administered by the British Racing and Sports Car Club, features three classes that mix first and second-generation Fortwos and Roadsters.