Former Scottish coal mine to stage next Extreme E event
Extreme E has revealed a former opencast coal mine site at Glenmuckloch in Scotland will host the second round of the 2023 season, the Hydro X Prix, on 13-14 May.
Located in Dumfries and Galloway, the disused coal mine is to be transformed into a Pumped Storage Hydropower plant and wind farm – an ideal location for Extreme E to promote electric power and clean energy solutions.
The energy project was finally confirmed last October, as landowners Buccleuch and Foresight Energy Infrastructure Partners reached a deal that would see the latter lease the site and execute the energy generation project. This came almost a decade after the collapse of the mining operator in 2013.
"Extreme E uses its racing platform to tell inspirational stories of global locations on the forefront of climate issues," said series CEO Alejandro Agag of the venue for the event, which will follow the usual double-header format.
"Here in Scotland, our race site will pay 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."
The Scottish round is next up on the calendar following the season-opener in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.
Laia Sanz, Mattias Ekstrom, Acciona | Sainz XE Team, Molly Taylor, Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing
Photo by: Charly Lopez / Motorsport Images
Two pairings share the lead in the championship in the gender-equal series following the desert event in Neom, Molly Taylor and Kevin Hansen for Veloce Racing and Laia Sainz and Mattias Ekstrom for Sainz XE, having taken one win each in Saudi Arabia.
Catie Munnings, who shares her Andretti entry with Timmy Hansen, commented: "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.
"I've heard the track will be a combination of fast sections on grass as well as drops into a quarry, which will be really interesting to see."
A further three events are scheduled for the remainder of the year following Glenmuckloch.
The series visits Sardinia on 8-9 July, a yet to be confirmed venue in the Americas on 16-17 September and then Chile for the 2-3 December finale.
How close is widespread adoption of hydrogen in motorsport?
How Veloce transformed itself to become a race-winning force in Extreme E
Ekstrom replaces injured Sainz for Extreme E season
Ekstrom replaces injured Sainz for Extreme E season Ekstrom replaces injured Sainz for Extreme E season
Formula 1 cost cap: What is it and how does it work?
Formula 1 cost cap: What is it and how does it work? Formula 1 cost cap: What is it and how does it work?
F1 team principals: Who are they and what do they do?
F1 team principals: Who are they and what do they do? F1 team principals: Who are they and what do they do?
Isle of Man TT 2023: Birchalls make history to win first Sidecar race with new lap record
Isle of Man TT 2023: Birchalls make history to win first Sidecar race with new lap record Isle of Man TT 2023: Birchalls make history to win first Sidecar race with new lap record
Sainz expecting Perez to still give Red Bull Spanish GP 1-2 despite starting 11th
Sainz expecting Perez to still give Red Bull Spanish GP 1-2 despite starting 11th Sainz expecting Perez to still give Red Bull Spanish GP 1-2 despite starting 11th
Split Detroit pits causing entry and exit issues for IndyCar drivers
Split Detroit pits causing entry and exit issues for IndyCar drivers Split Detroit pits causing entry and exit issues for IndyCar drivers
Alonso says P2 on F1 Spanish GP grid possible even with floor damage
Alonso says P2 on F1 Spanish GP grid possible even with floor damage Alonso says P2 on F1 Spanish GP grid possible even with floor damage
Why McLaren has taken its unprecedented off-road left turn
Why McLaren has taken its unprecedented off-road left turn Why McLaren has taken its unprecedented off-road left turn
How motorsport’s new eco series fared in its debut season
How motorsport’s new eco series fared in its debut season How motorsport’s new eco series fared in its debut season
How Rosberg triumphed over Hamilton in 2021's final showdown
How Rosberg triumphed over Hamilton in 2021's final showdown How Rosberg triumphed over Hamilton in 2021's final showdown
How technical troubles detracted from Extreme E's Sardinia encounter
How technical troubles detracted from Extreme E's Sardinia encounter How technical troubles detracted from Extreme E's Sardinia encounter
How Extreme E’s Arctic adventure gave a chilly reminder of the fixes to find
How Extreme E’s Arctic adventure gave a chilly reminder of the fixes to find How Extreme E’s Arctic adventure gave a chilly reminder of the fixes to find
Why McLaren’s surprise electric path can benefit everyone involved
Why McLaren’s surprise electric path can benefit everyone involved Why McLaren’s surprise electric path can benefit everyone involved
Why Extreme E's Senegal round hints at the series' true potential
Why Extreme E's Senegal round hints at the series' true potential Why Extreme E's Senegal round hints at the series' true potential
The key area where a start-up series is outdoing F1
The key area where a start-up series is outdoing F1 The key area where a start-up series is outdoing F1
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.