Carl Cox’s story begins in South London in the 1970s, where two great passions began to take hold: music and motorsport. As a young boy, Carl’s Saturday mornings were often spent glued to the TV, watching The World of Sport, mesmerised by the roar of rallycross, drag cars tearing down the strip at Santa Pod Raceway, and the drama of Formula 1. At the same time, he was discovering music. At just 15 years old, Carl bought his first set of turntables, beginning a journey that would one day make him one of the most celebrated DJs in the world.

In the early 1980s, Carl was working in the building trade by day and spinning records by night, earning just enough to buy vinyl and, when he could, indulge his love for cars and racing. But eventually, something had to give, and it was motorsport that took a back seat. Music quickly became the main focus, and by the time acid house exploded in the UK, Carl was already at the forefront. He played iconic parties like Shoom and Sunrise, helped co-promote The Project with Paul Oakenfold, and became known for his unique three-deck DJ sets. Throughout the 1990s, he became a true dance music pioneer. He released top 30 singles, toured the world, launched labels like Intec Records and 23rd Century, and his mix CD ‘F.A.C.T.’ sold over 250,000 copies. Meanwhile, his massive Ibiza residency at Space became one of the most legendary in the island’s history.

But even as he conquered the music world, Carl never lost that itch for motorsport. He always kept an eye on it—especially the sidecar racing he’d fallen in love with as a kid watching Brands Hatch. Then, in 2013, something changed. While visiting New Zealand, Carl reconnected with that early passion. A friend, Gavin Sokolic, introduced him to a grassroots sidecar team, Smith and Shorter, who were racing in the New Zealand Superbike Series and needed financial support. Carl saw something in them—something real—and decided to help. That simple act of support would mark the beginning of Carl Cox Motorsport.

What started as a modest sponsorship quickly turned into a serious commitment. Carl backed Smith and Shorter all the way to the Isle of Man TT in 2013 and 2014, where they stunned the field by finishing 11th out of 45 teams—an incredible result for an unknown team with no big-name backing. With no official website or major brand presence, Carl Cox Motorsport had arrived, not by design, but by sheer heart and determination.

Initially focused on sidecars, Carl wasn’t looking to support solo riders—until he met Michael Neeves, a journalist and racer for Motorcycle News. The two connected over dinner in Ibiza and quickly bonded over their love for motorbikes. Later, during a ride through the French countryside, Carl casually asked Michael if he wanted to race one of his bikes at Phillip Island in Australia. Michael said yes on the spot—without even knowing what bike he’d be riding. That ride became Carl Cox Motorsport’s first solo outing, with a GSX-R built by Brian Brown at TT Motorcycles, Carl’s custom motorcycle shop in Melbourne. Despite a tough weekend, Michael landed on the podium, proving the team could compete on two wheels as well.

As momentum built, so did the ambition. Carl began backing elite talent in the sidecar world, including Tim Reeves, who dominated the British Sidecar Championship in 2017, winning every race at every round with a Carl Cox Motorsport-backed machine. The team also took to the Isle of Man TT, landing on the podium once again. At the same time, Carl formed strong connections with legendary racers like Michael Dunlop, who even considered racing a sidecar with Carl’s team before focusing on his solo campaigns. Their friendship led to Carl backing Michael in various events, including more TT races where his winning form continued.

Carl Cox Motorsport’s reach grew further with partnerships formed with Clive Padgett’s team, supporting incredible riders like Connor Cummins, Davey Todd and Bruce Anstey. The Carl Cox name became a regular presence in paddocks from the UK to Europe, not just at top-tier events like the TT and British Superbikes, but also at grassroots levels where young riders were finding their feet.

Back home in Australia, Carl dove deeper into his own racing. From drag racing at over 235mph to historic muscle car racing and hill climbs, he wasn’t just sponsoring riders—he was living the racing life himself. His shop in Melbourne, TT Motorcycles, flourished under Brian Brown’s leadership, building bespoke café racers and retro bikes while also supplying parts and support to the team. Around this time, Carl also stepped into Australia’s top-level car racing, becoming involved with Tickford Racing in the Supercars Championship. He supported rising star Cameron Waters, who capped off the 2020 season with his first-ever solo Supercars win, a massive milestone for both the driver and Carl Cox Motorsport.

New Zealand remains close to Carl’s heart, and he’s continued to invest in the grassroots scene that gave his motorsport journey its spark. The Carl Cox Motorsport Cup has provided a platform for young Kiwi riders to develop their skills and chase their racing dreams. Carl also supports top F2 Supersport competitors like Toby Summers and Avalon Biddle, and keeps a strong presence in sidecars with teams like Tracey Bryan and Jo Mickleson, and Barry Smith and Stu Dawe. Riders like Damo Rees and Shane Richardson—both supported by Carl—have taken that Kiwi determination all the way to the UK, competing in the ultra-competitive British Superbike Championship.

Now, Carl Cox Motorsport is a global name. From the Isle of Man TT to the Phillip Island Classic, from historic car meets in New Zealand to drag strips across Australia, and from grassroots championships to professional Superbike teams, Carl has built something much more than a team—it’s a family of racers, engineers, supporters and fans all driven by the same thing: passion.

Through it all, Carl has continued to DJ at the highest level—curating massive shows like Carl Cox & Friends, leading his own festival brand PURE, and supporting new artists through his labels Intec Digital and Awesome Soundwave. The skills he’s honed in music—identifying talent, building community, putting on unforgettable shows—are the same qualities he brings to the track.

Carl Cox Motorsport is proof that you don’t have to choose between your passions—you just have to find a way to live both. For Carl, the roar of the engine and the drop of the beat have always been connected. From a kid watching sidecars at Brands Hatch to racing across the world under his own banner, Carl Cox has never stopped chasing speed, sound, and soul.

And he’s only just getting started.

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