Internationally-renowned DJ Carl Cox has today announced Carl Cox Motorsport will complete in 2023’s Extreme E championship.
The eponymous team marks Cox’s first venture into electric racing, however he is no stranger to the world of motorsport having launched Carl Cox Motorsport officially in 2013 as a multi discipline outlet for vehicles with two, three and four wheels.
Currently ranked by DJ Magazine as the 22nd best in the world, Cox recognises that entry into electric racing is not only exciting but also progressive.
“I’m here to make a difference,” he says. “To have the opportunity to be part of something so dynamic on four wheels is a dream come true.
“Racing, like music, is in my blood and I’m going to bring my passion and energy into this series and build something special.
“Participating in electric racing is new to me but I’m a fast learner and will bring my hard earned know how and experience into the mix at Extreme E.
“Carl Cox Motorsports is here to take on all comers and we are going to jump straight in. We are in it to win it.”
As one of the most influential names in dance music history, his illustrious career as a DJ, remixer, live artist and music producer has spanned over 30 years and secured countless accolades.
Last year included a sold out Wembley Arena show in addition to 87 headlining gigs across 22 countries including sets at Glastonbury, Burning Man, in Ibiza, Ultra Miami and at his annual Brighton Beach show. Always evolving, he performs as a DJ and a live artist and is known by his peers as “the DJ’s DJ” or simply “The King”.
The long-time motorsport enthusiast joined Extreme E for its first ever double-header event in Sardinia last season, and had a lap around the course. That evening he played an impromptu DJ set and became part of the Extreme E family. Within weeks he was planning his own team.
Cox’s entry into the sees him join a range of teams run by legendary names, including McLaren who New Zealander Emma Gilmour currently competes for.
Lewis Hamilton’s X44Vida Carbon Racing, Nico Rosberg’s Rosberg X Racing, Jenson Button’s JBXE and Carlos Sainz Snr’s ACCIONA Sainz XE Team also feature heavily in the series.
Cox’s entry excites series’ founder and CEO Alejandro Agag, who welcomes the legendary producer with open arms.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Carl and his Carl Cox Motorsport Extreme E team to the championship,” he said.
“We all know Carl for the superstar he is, but beyond his talents in music it is clear his passion for motorsport runs deep. We can’t wait to work with him and his team as we help them on their journey into sustainable racing.
“A true icon in music and entertainment Carl will be an important beacon for our series, bringing a whole new energy to the championship and our mission to raise awareness around the world about important climate and societal issues, and their solutions.
“The grid continues to offer up excitement for our fans, and the countdown to Season 3 is officially on!”
Cox is a lifelong motorsport fan but credits New Zealand as the country where his journey into team ownership and sponsorship began.
“Carl Cox Motorsport, the whole thing, started in New Zealand in 2013 with a friend of mine called Gavin Sokolic,” his website reads.
“I had an idea of getting into motorsport via a grassroots racing team called Smith and Shorter Sidecar Racing Team. They needed financial backing to support them in their sidecar racing efforts for the New Zealand Superbike series. I thought, ‘You know what, I’ve got a bit a money I can chuck there it over and help them go round.'”
Cox is a regular at the Isle of Man TT where he supports his Carl Cox Motorsport riders as they battle it out on the infamous course. Also amongst the talent in his program are New Zealand motorcyclists Shane Richardson, Damon Rees, Avalon Biddle and Toby Summers.
He is also the naming-rights sponsor for the Carl Cox Motorsport Cup for grassroots motorcycle competitors in New Zealand.
There’s no word yet on who the driver lineup will be but Cox has time up his sleeve with the first round beginning until March 11 in Saudi Arabia.
