Lac Rose Dakar, Senegal, is preparing to host the Ocean X Prix, corresponding to the Extreme E’s second racing weekend after its successful debut in the Saudi Arabian desert.
The event will take place on May 29 and 30 and means the return of competitions to the African country, which hosted many years of rally where it has not been run since 2007.
The Extreme E decided on this location on the West African coast to send a message of awareness about the dangers of climate change in the oceans, rising sea levels and its impact on marine ecosystems, on which the lives of many people depend around the world.
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“We are all very excited to be headed to Senegal, in particular Dakar and specifically Lac Rose, which once marked the finish line to one of the most iconic rallies in the world. We are pleased to be bringing motorsport back to this region and am sure we will put on an incredible show,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E.
Agag stressed that they are using the Extreme E platform to disseminate the climatic realities of the place. “Not only will we use our sport to shine a light on all these issues and the solutions we can all be part of, but we will also be making a positive and lasting difference through our various Legacy Programmes in the country including planting one million mangroves and supporting local communities.”
Senegal opens the doors to competition
Abdou Thiam, president of the Senegalese Motorsport Federation, expressed his satisfaction to receive the Extreme E, recalled the moment in which Agag presented the proposal and highlighted the culture of motorsport that the African country has.
“Thanks to a long tradition of motorsport in Senegal, this site has hosted our various national championships and the arrival of many international competitions,” explained.
Image: Extreme E
Thiam said that the innovation that the Extreme E represents and its environmental values mark a turning point in the sport. “We are delighted and honoured to welcome the great names of the motorsport family. As such, we welcome all the actors of what I hope will be the first edition of a long series in Senegal.”
For the past year, Extreme E has supported projects that it will continue to do beyond race weekend, along with its legacy partner to.org. “The to.org team is honoured to bring our love for Senegal and our passion for sustainability to our legacy partnership with Extreme E,” said Nachson Mimran, CEO and co-founder of to.org.
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“The reforestation of mangroves – one of nature’s most effective carbon capture solutions – will protect against coastal erosion, provide habitats for fish nurseries and marine organisms, and will improve water quality for local communities by filtering polluted water,” added.
“We are excited to continue our mangrove reforestation programme and to advance to.org’s mission to address Earth’s most pressing social and environmental challenges,” said Mimran.
The ultimate goal of Extreme E in Senegal is to build a sustainable community through the provision of guidance, information and resources, empowering self-reliance and economic autonomy.
Written by I Jhonattan González
