South Africa’s top drifters converged at the Suncoast Arena in Durban for the highly anticipated Red Bull Car Park Drift competition, thrilling car enthusiasts with adrenaline-pumping action. Among the fierce competition, Johannesburg’s Jim McFarlane, sponsored by Motul, emerged victorious, securing his third Red Bull Car Park Drift title.
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The battle for supremacy was intense, with drivers like Christopher Long, Juan Stemmet, Jim McFarlane, and Riaan Stokes navigating their way through a field of over 40 participants. Unfortunately, Stokes had to withdraw due to vehicle damage, leaving McFarlane, Stemmet, and Long to vie for the top spot in front of a packed audience of 2 500 spectators.
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In a display of precision and skill, Jim McFarlane impressed the judges with his flawless execution, ultimately claiming the championship title for the third time. Reflecting on his win, McFarlane expressed his joy at achieving the treble, especially in the presence of his friends and family. The qualifying rounds, held the previous day, saw drivers from across the country competing fiercely for a spot in the top 20 finalists. Led by world-renowned motorsport champion Abdo Feghali, the drivers faced a challenging obstacle course that put their drifting abilities to the test.
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Abdo Feghali, reflecting on the competition, praised the growth and passion for the sport among both spectators and participants. He emphasized the enthusiasm of the crowd as a driving force behind the success of the event, highlighting the vibrant drifting community in South Africa. The event featured thrilling aerial displays by Red Bull athlete and aerobatics champion Pat Davidson, as well as captivating performances by local spinners Team Sidewayz. Hosted by Vic Pardal, known as “the loudest man on African soil,” the event kept the energy levels high throughout the day.
Judged by Brenton Gregory, Bruno Miranda, and Michael van der Linde, the drivers were evaluated based on their drifting skills, obstacle navigation, car aesthetics, and overall performance. As winners of the South African leg, Jim McFarlane and runner-up Juan Stemmet will represent the country at the upcoming World Finals in Oman, a testament to their skill and dedication to the sport.