Next big thing: Spin Outlaws teen rise through the ranks

Bobby Nitro just loves a zero to hero story, and here’s one from the Spin Outlaws crew.

Not to say that Wafeeq Oliver, 18, started at zero, this guy has been working hard on his spin career, just that he rose so fast in the ranks that Bobby just had to have a chat with him.

Wafeeq, who hails from Mitchells Plain, started out with Spin Outlaws at the beginning of last year and has, through a combination of hard work, perseverance and sheer driving talent, climbed his way up to number two on the ladder, behind Shandre Green at number one.

He says: “I got into spinning through my dad, Riedwaan Oliver, who used to drive a Cortina with a V6 in at Killarney, Kraaifontein and other places.

“He’s the original ‘Ford is Lord’ guy but has retired from the game after handing over the wheel to me so to speak.

“My dad supports me, having taught me everything I know, including the mechanics. He’s also the man who makes sure the car is always running at events. We do our own work on the car, having a mechanical business called Wakes Works.”

Wafeeq started out in the Cortina but built up a Toyota Cressida last year with a Nissan vq35 engine, which is the 3.5-litre V6 found in the 350z.

He says: “To make it spin-ready we fitted the engine, locked the diff and did some suspension mods.

Bobby had to ask about his rise through the Spin Outlaws ranks.

Wafeeq says: “I came out of nowhere and it took a lot of hard work and focus to get where I am today. I was tense, never thinking I would come so far, but learned that if you are tense you will mess up on the day.

“I’ve learned a lot in spin Outlaws, how to drive the obstacles with precision and how to keep calm, most importantly, I don’t have rivalries with anyone and am just here to enjoy myself.

“A challenge was the obstacles, it took a lot of time and effort to master this format.”

Recently Wafeeq was invited to Botswana to represent South Africa at the Team Saluki event, who brought in a few Spinners to showcase Cape Town talent.

Just getting into this game, Wafeeq has big dreams, he says: “I’m aiming for that top spot and I will accomplish it. I do at some stage want to get into the drifting side of the game, but I’ll have to save some cash first though!”

Bobby asked what his advice to youngsters would be, and he says: “It’s stressful and expensive but it’s all worth it when you are behind the wheel of your car.

“My advice is to work hard even if people bring you down, and stay humble. Look for an E30 chassis to start off with, as it’s the easiest to manage and drive.”

Wafeeq, who looks up to a spinner from Mafikeng named Austin Kruger, echoes the concern of Spinners over the years, and makes an appeal to the City for more pitches, “so we can show that we know how to control an event and be safe”.

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