Keeping his ear to the ground regarding developments in the local Drift scene, Bobby Nitro heard some exciting news this week.
As with any motorsport, drifting can cost klomp geld, what with the tyres, busted diffs and constant work to keep the car at performance level.
Therefore, bringing sponsors on board can really help an aspiring driver to bridge the gap between remaining a local hero and competing on the international stage.
That’s why when Bobby received a call from Raziek Rajah of Razor Custom Car Show, who manages the Drift Outlaws series, his ears pricked up.
Drift Outlaws has been creating spaces for local drifters to hone their skills for some years now, with practice opportunities at Fisantekraal and Killarney, and even a tour overseas for top drifter Juan Stemmet. The idea, supported by the TV show, has been to get South African drifters on the world stage. Plus to drift for the sake of it, to have motoring fun minus the politics, but that’s the subject of quite another article.
So here’s the big news. On 28 November there will be an event at Fisantekraal, and at this event will be a big player representing VP Racing Fuels, an American fuel technology company that is distributed by Race-Art in South Africa.
The head of Race-Art is a petrolkop and successful businessman by the name of Donovan Naicker, and he will be the talent scout, the selector who will be choosing two drivers to be part of the VP Racing Drift team.
And they will receive lekker sponsorships. Donovan says: “We are putting together a Team SA, and as VP Fuels SA are choosing two drivers from across many different motorsports, including drifting.
“The chosen ones will be getting a full vehicle wrap, fuel, tyres, lubricants and coolants plus transport of vehicle and team overseas.”
That’s enough to take the lucky ones’ drifting to the next level. Oh, and for the drifters there’s a rumour about a trip to the US of A in the deal, to compete in the Klutch Kickers series.
As you can imagine, local drivers are rather excited about this prospect. Raziek says: “With this international stage suddenly in the offing, with something new on the horizon, the Drift Outlaw drivers are revved up to compete for the prize. It’s a game changer.”
Shane Green, who has experienced a near miss when it comes to a trip overseas, was super excited. He says: “Uncle Bobs, you know what I’ve been through climbing the ladder over the years, and you know that usually I say I’ll be bringing my A-game. On the 28th I will be bringing my A++ game!
“We are putting so many extra hours into the car, strengthening the drivetrain to make it as strong as possible. With the E46, we are even dropping power a bit to make sure the car lasts the day.”
Bobby asked Shane who else he thought might be a contender, and he replies (with typical Shane Green gees): “I can’t think of anyone else right now, I’m focusing hard on myself and my performance.”
So there we have it, a kwaai opportunity awaits two lucky drifters, and kudos needs to go to Raziek of Razor Custom Car Show, whose tireless work over the years to bring local drifting into the limelight is starting to reap rewards.
Bobby remembers being at the initial Drift Outlaws meeting, where Raziek first planted this vision.
At the time it seemed crazy, South African drifters overseas! But like all good visions, with focus the building blocks of a South African presence on the international stage have been well laid.
dailyvoice@inl.co.za