The Plymouth-Banjul Challenge is run by 'Dakar Challenge' and self described as 'The original Banger Challenge’ and previously known as the Plymouth-Dakar Challenge, is an annual car event for charity. Established in 2002, the first rally went to Dakar in 2003, and then on to Banjul from 2005. It very roughly follows the route of the more famous Dakar Rally, visiting many of the same countries.

Starting in Plymouth (Devon), participants travel through France and onto Tarifa in Southern Spain. Then the course runs through Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal and finally into the Gambia - a distance of approximately 4,400 Miles. Participants were previously told to be driving a left hand drive cars worth approximately £100, although there are now no formal rules on value and right hand drive cars of any value can be used, on the basis they are donated to the Rotary Club of The Gambia on arrival.

Participants in the challenge are on their own, meaning that no assistance is rendered to motorists in case of a car breakdown or even if they become stranded.

Mechanical reliability is the main obstacle to completing the course given that such vehicles are ordinary road cars and are mostly at the end of their useful lifetimes. Many cars cope very well until they have to go through the desert and then almost all suffer a great deal due to high temperatures and dust. Once the cars make it to Banjul in Gambia they are auctioned for, or donated to, charity.