Not only do we have a new champ on the local Drift Outlaws circuit, but there are developments in the world of traction loss on tar that have petrolkoppe’s wheels spinning.
On the podium, a brief few months after Shane Green wrenched the Drift King title from Juan Stemmet back in December, Drifter Tommie Beirowski has taken the crown - and in a gracious and gentlemanly way, we might add.
Now Tommie, our boytjie from Worcester driving a Nissan S14 with a V8 turbocharged 4.5-litre powerplant, has been working hard for years with one eye always on this title. It’s no surprise that he’s over the moon. But there was a touch and go moment on the day.
Tommie says: “There was an issue with Shane arriving late at the track, as he had some trouble getting his new car finished in time, I think. Now the rule is if they call the battle and I was to turn up on the line, then Shane has five minutes to be on the line too or lose the battle.
“When I eventually got to the line, I could see Shane unloading his car, and there was no way I was going to win in that way, so I said you know what, take your time, when I win I’ll do it fair and square.”
Shane adds: “I take my hat off to that sportsmanship from Tommie. We will be back of course, back on the money. We have some teething problems with the newly built E36, it’s quite heavy, so we’re getting there.”
Asked how he felt on taking Drift King, Tommie says: “I was a bit uncertain at first, because when you are king other drivers can treat you differently and the rumour mill starts up, but now I own it. I’ve sukkeled for three years and the crown is mine.”
Tommie will likely defend his title against Juan come 27 February at Fisantekraal, while Shane is determined to fight his way back from number three spot. Tommie thanks Total SA, Total Quartz and G & A Motorsport for the ongoing sponsorship.
Then, the other really big news is that Spin is getting the boost it has waited for all these years, in the form of a new series.
Raziek Rajah, the organisational power behind Drift Outlaws, has announced that the code will be extending its promotional know-how into the world of Spin. Now for those who have been following Spin over the years, you will know that recognition and a dedicated pitch to express a weekly passion for tyre smoke have been badly needed.
So with no further ado, enter Spin Outlaws, a new national Spin series, which will be rolled out across six provinces. In consultation with Renzo Quickfall of Capetona Live fame, a refreshed format is being put together.
The main idea is that there will be a straightforward set of guidelines, but with the introduction of time into the mix, as well as a set of obstacles to navigate in Spin style. When there is a split decision, time will be factored in.
Twenty four Spinners have made the trials and will kick off the series at Killarney on 27 March.
The final event is scheduled for October this year, depending on the Covid lockdown level at the time. The Spin Outlaw winner stands to earn a VP Racing Fuels sponsorship worth in the region of R50 000. And for the first time, the victor can be said to be national.