The streets were packed, people waited in relative silence as they anticipated the grand entry of the star of the day, Formula One legend David Coulthard piloting the Red Bull race car.
We say ‘relative silence’ because once the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB7 powered up and came into view, Cape Town literally shook to the roar of the mighty V8 engine power as it raced through the streets of the Mother City on Sunday.
Fans lined the kerb on Darling Street and the Grand Parade, converted into the Red Bull Cape Town Circuit for Sunday’s motoring extravaganza that showcased the rare sight of a championship-winning Formula One car tearing up in one of the world’s most iconic settings.
David Coulthard, a 13-time Formula One race winner, gave the crowd a day to remember with some awesome acceleration down the short straight and some mal donut antics.
DONUT: David Coulthard performs at grand stand. Photo: Courtesy of Red Bull
And that’s not all. The thrills just kept coming with Aruñas “Aras” Gibiea and his awesome and befuddling motorcycle stunts.
He was followed by local legend Brian Capper, then by a display of precision driving under the SR4A (Safer Roads for All) banner, local drivers who have been tearing it up at our top events for years now, got the wows from the crowds. All this, while in the skies South African aerobatic champion Patrick Davidson controlled the clear blue with a jaw-dropping display of aerial goodness.
CHEERS: David Coulthard greets the crowd at Red Bull show. Photo: Courtesy of Red Bull
DJ Ready D of SR4A tells Bobby Nitro: “I was involved as the Red Bull local sporting director, highlighting Cape Town motoring lifestyle, so we brought the show cars, the drifters and spinners.”
Ready D can be relied on to bring something different to the show, as he says: “In fact, Malika Daniels and I completed a world first when it comes to motoring entertainment. During one of the drifts, I jumped out of the car with a portable turntable and did a scratch routine.”
How’s that for wicked mixed media! The Cape crowds love that kind of imaginative stunt. They also had drift cars spinning around B-Boys doing their thing, as SR4A brought a multidimensional expo of urban culture to the Grand Parade.
WHEELIE: Aras Gibieza in action in Cape. Photo: Courtesy of Red Bull
Ready D adds: “On the day, the aim of SR4A was to bring attention to the #SeeandBeSeen campaign, urging the public at large to address visibility on the roads, both as drivers and pedestrians.
David Coulthard, the flying Scotsman, was full of praise for the fans who brought our uniquely South African gees.
He says: “Cape Town is the only place in the world where I wanted to get on a tourist bus. South Africa has a rich Formula One history and maybe we can stimulate a future world champion who is watching in the crowd today. Formula One has been a global shopfront for emerging cities, but South Africa is already on the map. I’ve always said that to call Formula One a world championship, we need to be in Africa.”
In the grandstand, Crispin Duncan and his dad, Godfrey, had an absolute blast. Crispin says: “When I saw the promo video, knowing that Coulthard (my father’s favourite driver) was coming and it was my dad’s birthday, the plan lined up perfectly.”
GIFT: Crispin Duncan treated his father Godfrey. Photo: Courtesy of Red Bull
Crispin surprised his father, a motor mechanic from Ottery, with birthday tickets. What a boytjie. Godfrey, and ardent fan who buys the Daily Voice every day, says: “It was one helluva nice day, especially to be so close to the circuit. I hope we get a circuit in Cape Town.”
Crispin adds: “After the anthem, when they first revved up that V8 motor, that must have been my top moment of the day. I purposely left out ear protection so I could experience that ear-piercing thrill. Nothing beat that moment.”
Barry Heuber, also in the stands, says: “My best moment was when they sang the anthem and everybody joined in. Then the crowd went wild at the start of the car. Nothing can compare to the sound of that Aston Martin V8, and we were right on the track. I have no word to describe it.”
SCRATCH: Rep for SR4A, DJ Ready D. Photo: Courtesy of Red Bull
DJ Ready D kept the vibe going all day in another incredible show of endurance and skill on the decks, while KFM’s Ryan O’Connor was on the mic.
The hospitality area was packed out with socialites and celebrities like Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi and Nasty C, while fans who came from all over Mzansi were treated to a truly unique experience and filled with hope for Formula One to find a permanent home in South Africa.