When it comes to a people’s motorsport, here in the Cape it has to be spin that takes the honours.
If you’ve got the right motivation and a passion for the sport, you’ll find your way into a spin car. It doesn’t cost much, and there are even people out there making it more accessible.
One such organisation is called Spin, standing for (Supporting People in Need), and which you would have heard of on these pages this year when it came to making a disabled boy’s life brighter on his birthday.
Now it’s one thing if you’re a seasoned spinkop, but if you’re new on the scene it can be pretty daunting. After all, the pedal’s to the metal, the cabbie is swinging about wildly and the fans are screaming.
Spin last weekend drew on their pool of experienced spinners to come out to the pitch and mentor newcomers, in particular, the women drivers. The old hands were on hand to teach the tools and tricks in a practice session to enable the women to become better and more confident drivers, on and off the pitch.
COACH: Pro racer and instructor Ernest Page gives the women some fine-tuning tips. Photo: Shahiem Bell
Ernest Page, a well-known professional racing and drifting instructor, offered up his time to contribute, specifically from a mental perspective going into motorsport in general.
With Ernest himself also being very new to spin, he felt that this would be the best contribution to add value to what Spin and it’s supporting spinners have committed to.
Bobby Nitro spoke to some of the women involved afterwards. Tatum van der Horst is just 15 years old and describes herself as the only one in her group of friends who can drive. Now, she can not only do that, but she can also gooi a cabbie into a 360.
Tatum says: “It was great. I enjoyed myself even though I was a bit shaky from all the adrenalin. I was tutored by Igshaan (Brenner) and he kept it simple. He just told me to drive, stop, drop the clutch and hit the accelerator while turning the wheel. Next thing the car is spinning.”
NEWBIE: Tatum and her parents watch anxiously as the teen waits her turn. Photo: Shahiem Bell
Tatum now has her eye on building her own spin car.
“It has been my dream since I was young already. My daddy used to race at Killarney and will help me out. Since he first took me to Philippi to watch this motorsport, I’ve loved the sound and the stunts.”
Aashiqah Isaacs, 35, of Lentegeur, was brimming with excitement. She says: “I was one of the newbies and the day was fabulous, I loved every moment.”
She clearly had an awesome time, saying: “The adrenalin kicked in and afterwards I was speechless. I’ll do it again, over and over.”
COURSE: Waleed teaches Aashiqah all the finer points of how to spin. Photo: Shahiem Bell
When Bobby asks if she was nervous, Aashiqah says: “I felt no fear, I felt so secure with the tutors really preparing us well. They showed us how to stop quickly, be safe and they had so much patience. I felt comfortable and didn’t have to be nervous.”
Aashiqah adds that in her view spinning has made a huge difference in Lentegeur, in that it is a family sport that gets the kids off the streets and into one safe place, where they are entertained safely.
NOU SO: All the women focus on the first lesson and soak up new skills. Photo: Shahiem Bell
Ashiya Fakier, who has been spinning for a decade and was a tutor on the day, says: “The ladies were all hyped up and seemed like they were pro’s already. I couldn’t believe it, I think we gave Ernest a run for his money.”
Nazeema van Schalkwyk, also from Lentegeur, was there as a tutor.
She says it is the first time they’ve done such a day and the feedback has been great. “Many of the women have been in the motorsport for years, on the sidelines supporting husbands and fathers, and now it was their turn behind the wheel.”
From what Bobby hears, it will not be their last time behind the wheel. Look out, manne, here comes the new generation of spinners.
SKILL: Nazeema throws her Skyline in all directions while burning rubber. Photo: Shahiem Bell
Spin is thankful for those who have offered up their time and vehicles to make this a reality. More drivers are always needed to offer guidance, to the youngsters and women in spinning.