Words: Michelle Lewis
Despite a heat wave causing temperatures in the Mother City to soar into the high 30’s, the 2014 Auto Trader SupaDrift Series drifters pulled on their suits and showed up ready to beat the heat.
Over 5,000 fans gathered around the GrandWest track on Saturday 12th April to watch their favourite drivers tear up the course. The 40-strong field of competitors comprised of many Cape Town drivers. The event elicited unprecedented local support and was fueled by flesh tingling cheers as the ‘out of town’ top dogs fought off stiff competition from the local hopefuls.
“This is the first time the series has visited Cape Town as a national championship. We are honoured the local driving talent turned out to take part.” said Auto Trader CEO and Series sponsor, George Mienie,
History was made over the weekend when the only female competitor, Clare Vale, made it into the Top 8 for the first time in the Series’ history. Vale fought off competition from KZN drifter Shane Gutzeit, but lost to local sensation Shane Green in the quarter final, following a problematic initiation.
The biggest upset in the event nearly unfolded in the semi-final when 2013 winner, Jason Webb, went head to head with lesser-known driver George Myburgh. Myburgh’s sensational drifting throughout the day continued in his turn to lead against Webb, when he powered out the blocks leaving a plume of smoke behind to disorientate the champion. In the next round, with Webb in front, a tight run around the course put Webb ahead of Myburgh in points to secure his place in the final.
2012 winner, Wade van Zummeren pushed his tyre-burning skills to the maximum against local driver, Shane Green. Cheers of crowd support for Green appeared to provide the local drifter with just the right amount of guts and glory to challenge the 2012 champion to a world-class semi-final duel. Despite calls for a One More Time battle, judges gave the win to van Zummeren whose tight lines and supernatural angle had judges on their feet in praise.
Van Zummeren later took part in an epic final duel which saw the 2012 series winner battle it out against 2013 winner, Webb, with Wade van Zummeren ultimately beating both his competitor and the heat. First place went to Wade van Zummeren, second to Jason Webb, and third to Shane Green.
Chevrolet spokesperson and series sponsor, Tim Hendon said “The driver’s skills have clicked up a notch. The final was a battle you would expect to watch at Formula Drift in the States.“
Catch the next installment of the Auto Trader SupaDrift Series at the Dezzi Raceway in Port Shepstone on the 31st May 2014…if you’re fan enough.
