Team PRONC to Compete in the 2027 UIM E1 World Championship
Team PRONC, a newly formed consortium of Nigerian entrepreneurs and investors, has officially registered for the UIM E1 World Championship 2027. This marks a significant milestone as the championship represents the first global series of fully electric boat racing. The registration occurred during the E1 Monaco Regatta 2026 at the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco, where Team PRONC aims to bring the vibrant culture, hospitality, and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigeria to a global audience.
Aiming for Excellence
The founders of Team PRONC, including prominent figures like Cecil Hammond, Richie Shittu, Preye Berezi, Osahon Okunbo, and Ndy Oruche, have a shared vision of elevating Nigeria's reputation in the world of competitive sports. Their goal is to leverage the growth of African culture in entertainment and innovation while simultaneously promoting sustainability and technological advancement in motorsport. The ethos behind Team PRONC reflects an ambition to create not just a racing team, but a celebrated brand that couples sports with lifestyle and culture.
Throughout more than two decades of creating immersive cultural experiences, the founders recognized the increasing global influence of African music, sports, fashion, and entertainment. Their mission is to harness this momentum and channel it into competitive racing through Team PRONC.
Involving themselves in an already star-studded tournament, which boasts endorsements from icons such as LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Will Smith, the co-founders envision a platform that transcends mere competition. They aim to engage in community initiatives, nurture aspiring talents, and ultimately inspire future generations to see themselves represented on a global sporting stage.
Pioneering Electric Racing
The UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF is celebrated for merging the excitement of global sports with cutting-edge innovation and marine conservation. Races are hosted in iconic coastal locations, including Lake Como, Monaco, Lagos, and Miami, aiming to accelerate innovation while safeguarding the waters that unite us all. Importantly, the championship promotes gender equality by mandating mixed-gender teams, enhancing representation at the pinnacle of international racing competitions.
The formation of Team PRONC is poised at the intersection of motorsport, hospitality, and entertainment, showcasing the ambitions of its founders to build a globally recognized sporting brand that impacts culture far beyond just racing events. Each co-founder has expressed the following sentiments regarding this vision:
- - Cecil Hammond: "Team PRONC is a testament to what can happen when ambitious individuals come together with a shared vision. This initiative extends beyond motorsport; it is a chance to display African innovation and excellence on one of the world’s most significant sporting platforms."
- - Richie Shittu: "We established this team through collaboration and the belief that Africa deserves greater representation in world sport. E1 provides us with an incredible platform where we can combine technology, sustainability, business, and culture while competing at the highest levels."
- - Preye Berezi: "PRONC exemplifies what can be achieved through teamwork. Each partner brings unique strengths and perspectives, and together we’re creating something competitive on the world stage that generates opportunities for African talent and enterprises."
- - Osahon Okunbo: "Our mission is to build a sustainable organization with global aspirations. We want Team PRONC to evolve into a revered sports brand that positively represents Nigeria and Africa worldwide."
- - Ndy Oruche: "Sport has an extraordinary capacity to unite people across borders. Team PRONC allows us to share a positive African narrative through innovation, teamwork, and excellence, contributing to one of the most thrilling championships in global sports."
Alejandro Agag, founder and chairman of E1, endorsed Team PRONC's entry into the championship, emphasizing its alignment with E1's mission to inspire a new era of clean racing and expand its influence in Africa. As Team PRONC gears up for its inaugural season, further announcements will be made regarding prominent sponsors, drivers, technical programs, and the E1 RaceBird's design.
About Team PRONC
Team PRONC operates with a fundamental goal: to merge sports, innovation, sustainability, culture, and business into a competitive outfit that epitomizes African excellence on an international scale. The team leverages expertise in various sectors, dedicating itself to long-term commercial opportunities while fostering future leaders and contributing to Africa's growing global stature.
About the UIM E1 World Championship
The UIM E1 World Championship is the first and only fully electric boat racing championship authorized by the International Union for Motor Boating (UIM). It aims to create an exciting and competitive water racing championship utilizing electric technology to support efforts in protecting and restoring urban waters and coastal areas. Teams consist of a male and female pilot, racing in cities around the world, owned by some of the most renowned figures in sports and entertainment.
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