World class motor sport is coming to a former open cast coal mine site in Dumfries and Galloway.
The Extreme E series will hold the Hydro X Prix at Glenmuckloch near Kirkconnel in May.
The off-road racing series features electric SUVs battling it out over a specially designed course with organisers aiming to keep the environmental impact of events to a minimum – meaning no spectators will be allowed to the venue to watch the action.
But with plans in place for the site to be turned into a pumped storage hydropower plant and a windfarm, it seems the ideal place for the series’ first ever trip to Scotland.
Founder and chief executive of Extreme E, Alejandro Agag, said: “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.”
Extreme E began in 2021 and features teams owned by F1 world champions Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button.
It aims to promote electric vehicles and clean energy, with each team consisting of one man and one woman.
British driver Catie Munnings, who races for Andretti Altawkilat, said: “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.”
Extreme E will be involved in community projects, including work to protect salmon stocks.
There will be a cap on the number of team members who can work on the site, while anyone who wants to watch the action on May 13 and 14 will have to do so on STV or ITV, rather than in person.
And work to minimise the series’ carbon footprint means cars and equipment are transported around the world on the St Helena ship, which will arrive in Glasgow in mid April to start unloading its freight.
Estate director of Buccleuch’s Queensberry Estate, Anna Fergusson, said: “Hosting Extreme E is a wonderful opportunity for Buccleuch and the local community.
“For me, personally, recognising gender equality sends an incredibly positive message, which is important to recognise.”
