Abstract
The use of fossil-fuel technology and extensive travel to different venues with large sets of equipment, even around the world, pretty much disqualify the environmental use of ‘sustainable’ in motorsport. But can actors in motorsport contribute to a more sustainable world by other means, such as through an innovative championship design? To explore this question, this chapter draws upon a virtual ethnography of the 2023 Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia, which is a part of the Extreme E championship (a global racing series which uses electric off-road buggies). To reduce CO2 emissions, physical spectators are not allowed at Extreme E events. Instead, the events offer a digital experience which blends racing with sustainability education and activities about local challenges. As sustainability commitments require a personal connection to the issues at hand, operationalised through servicing spectators and audiences, this chapter explores whether the novel format of Extreme E could act as inspiration for future sport events in general.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | The Routledge Handbook of Events and Sustainability |
Editors | Julie Whitfield, Mary Beth Gouthro, Miguel Moital |
Place of Publication | Abingdon UK |
Publisher | Routledge |
Chapter | 29 |
Pages | 354-363 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Edition | 1st |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781003269311 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781032216324, 9781032216348 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2025 |