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READING, PENNSYLVANIA — June 20, 2025 — EnerSys (NYSE: ENS), a global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications and the manufacturer of ODYSSEY® batteries, has extended its ODYSSEY® Battery sponsorship with veteran off-road European racing champion, Jim Marsden, for the 2025 season. Jim, a garage owner and resident of Hildenborough in Kent, is gearing up to compete in one of Europe’s most grueling motorsport events, the legendary Rallye Breslau, which will take place across the rugged terrains of Poland from June 22 to 27.
This extreme off-road event, known as the ‘Dakar of Europe’, will see more than 300 teams racing across 1,400 kilometres of treacherous landscapes — from sand dunes to deep forests. Competitors require plenty of endurance and determination as they spend six days tackling intense navigation challenges through mud, desert and water crossings during the race from western Poland to the Baltic coast.
Jim is no stranger to the Rallye Breslau, having won the event six times in a 25-year career span that ranks him among Europe’s most successful extreme off-road racers. Competing under the name Gigglepin, Jim is a well-respected driver with more than 100 podium finishes under his belt. He has won over 60 European titles including the Croatia Trophy, the French Xtrem, the Rainforest Challenge in Portugal, as well as his most recent accolade, King of Germany, which he secured in May.
Jim will compete in a specialized Gigglepin Defender® vehicle, which was built by the Gigglepin team for Trophy Raid style events like the Rallye Breslau. The vehicle is equipped with high-performance ODYSSEY® batteries, which are engineered to handle the rugged terrain that comes with extreme off-road racing. Affectionately known as ‘Bad Penny’, the vehicle was driven to victory by Jim at the Rallye Breslau in 2015 and 2020 when he was accompanied by an experienced semi-professional co-driver. He hopes to win the rally in ‘Bad Penny’ once again this year.
“The Rallye Breslau is a tough challenge and I’ll be racing against some of the best teams in Europe,” said Jim. “I’ve taken part in the legendary event many times over the years and it’s always a fantastic experience. I’m really looking forward to competing again this year and continuing to push the boundaries of extreme off-road racing. I’m confident I can bring the title home for the UK and Kent.”
“We’re proud to support the Gigglepin team as Jim continues his reign as one of the most successful extreme off-road racer in Europe,” said Dave McMullen, Senior Director of Global Marketing, Transportation & Specialty at EnerSys. “It’s been great to be part of the team’s success since our ODYSSEY® Battery sponsorship began 12 years ago. We’re behind Jim all the way and we wish the team all the best of luck at the Rallye Breslau in Poland!”
The Rallye Breslau, first held in 1995, is considered one of the toughest extreme off-road racing events in Europe. Jim will face long days, early starts, mechanical challenges and difficult navigation as he races across Poland, starting in Żagań and finishing in Kolobrzeg.
