Eco-Challenge on T.V., but where’s the next race?

Rob / 01.04.2003

Screening dates around much of the world, but mostly North America, have been announced for the eagerly awaited films of Eco-Challenge 2002, which was held in Fiji. It was one of the most controversial races for many years, with a very high ‘did not finish’ rate and should make interesting viewing if you can get to see it.

The announcement of the show times starts with the U.S. premieres running on USA Network from May 5th-8th. The first 3 shows are an hour long and the final show is 2 hours. There are also separate shows in Los Angeles following Team Eco-Subaru and a series on Discovery Channel Canada following the Canadian teams. There are special programs on the Latin American and Spanish/Portuguese teams too, and show times in Asia and Japan, but that’s the extent of the global coverage at the moment.

From past experience the shows may find their way onto other terrestrial and cable stations in time, but there are no confirmed showing dates outside those regions and countries announced yet.

Where is the Real Thing?

An even more eagerly awaited announcement is the venue and date for this year’s race. Last year the announcement of Fiji was made in early February and we are now 2 months further into the year with no news. Teams who’ve been preparing hoping to get a place, maybe even with sponsors lined up, will be desperate to know when to book time off and what climate and conditions to prepare for. No doubt the Eco-Challenge office is getting asked the same question many times every day: “Where is it going to be?”

Other Race Directors around the world will be keen to know too as Eco-Challenge has a ‘history’ of clashing dates and venues with other big international races. There are many rumours of course, including South Africa, and even Ireland (which must be blarney). One recent rumour even suggested the unthinkable, that it wouldn’t happen at all this year. Hopefully Eco-Challenge will make the announcement soon and stop any more rumours spreading.

It’s not in Chile

There is a race in Chile advertised under the name ‘Eco-Challenge Chile 2003’ but it has nothing to do with the Eco-Challenge organisation – apart from hijacking their famous name! (We even had in our calendar for a while thinking it was a bone fide qualifier, which it isn’t.) A statement from Eco-Challenge productions leaves no doubt about that. “This is NOT an Eco-Challenge Productions event, licensed qualifier or associated business and we are in no way affiliated with, nor do we endorse the race in Chile.”

The best place to keep up with all the accurate information on the race, and see the full list of screening times and networks is of course www.ecochallenge.com.