Getting a motoring event up and running and onto the calendar takes time, and plenty of work, but you’ve got to start somewhere. Take Summerslam, for instance, that took place in Gansbaai recently.
Bobby Nitro spoke to organiser Shahiem Bell after the event. Shahiem, who sees himself as a petrolhead through and through, is well-known on the scene for his media efforts as well as his organisational skills. Many a time you will have seen “Pictures by TPDZ Media” in these pages.
Shahiem says he has no bias to any particular brand or genre within the scene as it is. He says: “It would be safe to say that I’ve been around long enough to see our culture evolve more times than many would like. But, to be honest, it’s cool to have been involved throughout all the changes. Granted, some changes I might not agree with, but I do accept them because I believe to embrace is better than to break down.”
GOING LOW: Magdie gets snapped up with Tauriq and his cool Corolla. Photo: GHAMZA JACKSON
In a nutshell, Shahiem loves cars and every like-minded associate, which is likely why he has come out with Summer- slam, a new event that takes petrolkoppe on a weekend camp out, with the first event having gone down recently in Gansbaai.
Shahiem says: “Summerslam is a motoring, camping festival that firstly brings people together, then secondly to show off their pride and joy, and finally to enjoy friendly competition within criteria put forward by us as hosts.”
TPDZ Media & Events came together with a national movement called Hoodfresh Gang (HFGKTA), a brand with guys whose primary objective is to collaborate on putting this event together. The theme was Campfest, and South Africans love their camping.
Bobby asks Shahiem about the move to Gansbaai. He says: “Unfortunately there weren’t venues that could accommodate such an event within Cape Town itself, so we took it to the friendly fishing village of Gansbaai.”
PROJECT: Muraad with the Titan Customs crew. Photo: GHAMZA JACKSON
Apparently at first the municipality didn’t easily see the idea as a good one but, says Shahiem, “after many meetings they were very excited to see what it was all about”.
So here’s how the event went down. Campers were allowed to arrive the day before so they could settle in nicely, but the turnout was slim due to a couple of reasons, one being the weather forecast not looking favourable.
Shahiem says: “Nevertheless, those who did arrive had a jol of a time with Quinton Moodie of 7stars Energy drink supplying the entertainment. Otherwise the guys were prepping their rides for the event the following day.
KEPT THE MENSE GOING: Quinton Moodie and his 7Stars Energy crew entertained the crowd throughout the weekend. Photo: GHAMZA JACKSON
“The HFGKTA cars were on show only, not for judging, as they were joint hosts with us. Their cabbies had people drooling all weekend, as these low rides were something very new to the community of Gansbaai.
“One interesting thing is late Friday evening, a particular Mazda RX7 pulled in and had everyone guessing what it would look like when completed. You see, the body kit hadn’t yet been completely attached, probably to keep it safe and sound during travelling.”
Well, that’s taking it to a whole new low; so low, in fact, that the driver couldn’t risk a bump. That’s what slammed rides are all about, after all.
The rain, however, was a bit of a dampener.
“The weather played out just as predicted and we experienced rain throughout the day. This, of course, limited attendance, but definitely not the spirits of those who were present. We made sure we looked after those who made the journey and the competition continued as planned.
“As the competition got under way, the crowd helped the judges carry gazebos from one car to another, so that judging could take place.
“On the other hand, the rain brought a very intimate vibe to it all, and we got to speak to everyone about each ride, which had the young kids very entertained. Funnily enough, the day ended great, with an awesome and fun-filled prize-giving and then the party began.”
The stance section of the event was definitely the main genre, but still Summerslam had the standard show ‘n shine attached. This reflects the global culture of stance events, mostly being hosted as a camp over a few days.
Bobby wanted to know from Shahiem what he thought of the move from springs to air. His very diplomatic response is: “Now I personally have limited comments about the stance culture, as I too am very new to it and learning as I go along, hence again I’m witnessing the car scene evolving.
“I appreciate what’s happening, but also try to throw in my old school tendencies wherever I can. The cool thing is that my ways are well received and my notions make sense to the youngsters, which is great.”
OLD SCHOOL: Hein Myburgh’s 1988 GTS Caddy took Best of Show. Photo: GHAMZA JACKSON
Then he does venture a hard opinion: “With regards to going the air route, I wouldn’t put air into my ride because of personal preference. I like my ride to look good all the time, wheels fitted, kits fitted, ride height selected and confirmed. My personal opinion is that cars with air only look incredible once aired-out (slammed). But this is a conversation that could go on for days.”
Shahiem and crew are keen for this type of event to become a regular thing on the calendar, but next time he’ll be aiming for the heart of summer.
“The feedback received from the locals after the event was overwhelming and we would do more harm than good if we didn’t go back. Our intention was for it to be an annual event, for the town anyway, and we believe it will continue to grow from here.”
GOING LOW: Magdie gets snapped up with Tauriq and his cool Corolla. Photo: GHAMZA JACKSON
Last, but by no means least, Shahiem says: “Thanks to every single person who attended the event. Then to those who travelled from far, your attendance and involvement is highly appreciated. To all associated to TPDZ during the organisng of the event, HFGKTA, Welovestance and all the sponsors, 7stars Energy drink, Wheel Merchants, IQOS, Goodhope Construction, Alies Wheels and M.Z Custom Garage, a huge thanks from us. Lastly to all the individuals who assisted selflessly, they know who they are, you are kept in all my prayers and thoughts, always.”