Imagine the scene, the adrenalin starts to build up as drivers make final adjustments to camber, toe, ride height as they learn the track during the practice rounds, knowing that the combination of technical setup and level of aggression in style will win the title.
You got it, a Cape Drift competition. But this one has a difference, in that the drivers are on the side of the track and the cars can fit under your arm.
Only one place that can happen and that’s in radio controlled (RC) Drifting, a popular petrolkop sport in the Cape.
Bobby Nitro spoke to Francesco Stemmet, 39, from Diep River, an RC Drifter who has represented South Africa internationally in the sport, after a recent event at the YQ4Hope premises in Brackenfell.
He says: “Since our previous home, Kenilworth Karting, closed we have been kindly offered these premises for practice and the monthly competition. Next year we hope to start a series.”
With 12 cars in each class, both AWD and RWD, competition is fierce.
The interesting thing is that there is virtually no difference between setting up a full scale and RC scaled Drift car. Angle kits, weight distribution, tyre angles, camber, toe, tyre grip and ride height all come into it.
The similarities are mind-boggling, and the art of RC Drifting is fascinating to any car enthusiast.
Only real difference is the tools are much smaller.
A comparison can be made between F1 fans and RC Drifting.
Once you start to understand the operations behind the scenes, and how different teams strategise to win races, the sport becomes that much more interesting.
Francesco says: “It’s a technical game, and your setup comes into play on the day, as do your on-the-fly adjustments.”
And Francesco understands the intricacies of the Drift world, having been a judge at Drift City events and following motorsport since young.
He says: “My father, brother and I build engines in the garage.
“Getting into full-scale motorsport is expensive, and going the RC route lowers the barrier to entry.”
Francesco represented SA, with others, at the 2017 and 2019 World RC Champs in Amsterdam, finishing eighth among 300 competitors. Quite the achievement that.
Asked for his advice to inspiring drifters, he says: “Don’t start off by breaking the bank, and ask questions before you buy. A decent second hand entry level car will set you back about R3500 and the running costs are minimal.
“Of course, like any motorsport, the deeper you go the deeper your pockets need to be. A competition ready top of the range RC car can cost in the region of R35 000.”
And what a cool sport for the family. Moms and aspiring kids can hang out on the sidelines, or take the wheel and develop those skills that RC Drifting demands.
And what an excellent space to start out with the car scene.
Shahiem Bell of TPDZ says: “My son Muraad was given two start-up chassis by a good friend and enthusiast Terry Tissong, and he’s so excited. We’re cleaning them up, setting them up and he’s super keen to get tyres onto the concrete.
“Francesco has given him some tips and he’s so thankful to Terry and Francesco for getting him started.”