Famed as a godfather of the rave scene at its earliest inception in the UK, Carl Cox is a global brand, with Ibiza residencies at the like of Space, an iconic catch phrase ‘oh yes, oh yes‘ and a discography that is as diverse as the scene itself.
Carl Cox is considered a national treasure when it comes to the electronic music industry. With over 50 years experience, he is up there as one of the best to ever do it and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Outside of the booth, many people don’t realise Carl has another passion; motor racing. In a recent documentary for BBC sounds he goes onto tell us what has fueled his passion for everything two wheels.
Starting as a teenage upstart – who’s need for speed landed him in trouble with the boys in blue, Cox said
I kind of lost my licence before I got a licence… I was known to the cops. I liked the idea of going places, touring, having that camaraderie with my friends and getting there and getting back in one piece.
This passion had never abated and in 2013 he began his journey on creating a Motorsport team and brand. His first idea was to participate in side car. This is very different to what you would imagine from TV shows depicting 1930s bimbles through the UK countryside….
However there was an opportunity at hand to partner up just on two wheels with one of the most successful men to race, at what is considered the most dangerous circuit in the world. So, in June 2014, Carl flew from the White Isle to a not so glamorous one – The Isle of Man. Here he partnered up with 19 times TT winner Michael Dunlop and it wasn’t long before they put together their first win.
Carl said:
It can’t be true that this has happened to us already. I almost became a lucky mascot for him in that sense because that year he was phenomenal on everything. The history of the Dunlops is rich and deep and for me to be a part of that is incredible.
This year it seems the DJ has his team’s eyes set on the races in Northern Ireland, with the NW200 starting from the 12th of May to the 14th, which is an 8.970 mile circuit between Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush. Unfortunately the Ulster GP was cancelled this year due to lack of funding.
Carl Cox also wasn’t the only prodigal son of the rave scene who had a deep ingrained love of Motorsports, as he would spend hours in discussion with The Prodigy front man Keith Flint whilst on tour. Keith also went on to run his own racing outfit.
From Techno to Turbos, it’s clear Carl likes to live life in the fast lane. Catch him performing across the UK and the world at shows like Creamfields, Parklife, and Brighton Beach.
Words: Neil Ritchie
Images: Nicholas Gibbs, Impact Images Photography
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