Extreme E, the all-electric off-road racing series announced on Thursday that they will head to Dumfries and Galloway in May.
The Scottish event will take place at the former Glenmuckloch opencast coal mine site.
The Hydro X Prix will take place from May 13-14.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: .
“Extreme E is a unique sport for purpose racing series. We are thrilled to be headed to Scotland in May for the Hydro X Prix, and we could not have found a more perfect racing site than the former Glenmuckloch coal mine.
“Extreme E uses its racing platform to tell inspirational stories of global locations on the forefront of climate issues. Here in Scotland, our race site will play homage to the much needed transition of an old coal mine which is being given a new and exciting lease of life as a hydro-project which will provide a fully renewable energy source for the region for centuries to come.“Not only will this site provide one of the most dramatic and extreme race courses we have seen in our global journey, it will tell a poignant story about transition and the changing of courses that the energy industry and communities must all take if we are to succeed in the fight against climate change.”
Catie Munnings, Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E, said:
“It was really exciting to be in Scotland to kick off the countdown to the Hydro X Prix in May. It’s always great to have a home event, and racing is Scotland is something I am really looking forward to.
“There’s always something unique about every Extreme E course but racing in a location like this which is close to home will be something special for me and the team.
“I’ve heard the track will be a combination of both fast sections on grass as well as drops into a quarry which will be really interesting to see. The Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E team have a lot to build on and we are more hungry than ever to achieve a result that we deserve.”
Jenson Button, JBXE Team Owner, the former F1 driver and 2009 world champion said:
“It is brilliant that we will be returning to the UK for Extreme E Season 3 and we are really looking forward to the next round of the championship in Scotland. There is such a passion for motorsport in the UK, and it is great that the series is returning to its roots once again.
“I’ve been lucky enough to race on UK soil many times throughout my career and those memories will always be incredibly special to me, while the last time the series raced in the UK JBXE were able to pick up a podium – and so we will be aiming for similar at the Hydro X Prix.
“Racing in Scotland will provide a totally new challenge for our team, but I am confident we will be able to kick-start our season there.”
Anna Fergusson (pictured in headline image), Estate Director of Buccleuch’s Queensberry Estate, home of Glenmuckloch said:
“Hosting Extreme E is a wonderful opportunity for Buccleuch and the local community. Their commitment to the environment flows through everything they do, and using the sport to highlight local and international nature-based projects enables engagement on so many levels. For me, personally, recognising gender equality sends an incredibly positive message, which is important to recognise.”
The project, which secured funding in 2022, will enhance and aid the balancing of the UK power system, enabling the integration of more renewable generated energy into the country.
