Drift racing, spinning comes to Bulawayo

Mbulelo Mpofu
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TODAY at Emthunzini, car enthusiasts and thrill-seekers will witness a spectacular show of car drifting and spinning, accompanied by music and entertainment. The event, called “Bulawayo’s BurnOuts”, is organised by ZKS Spinners Arena’s Zakhele Mlilo, who wants to bring the excitement of this sport to his city.
Drifting and spinning are driving techniques that involve deliberately losing traction and controlling the car through sharp turns or circles. The drivers often get out of their moving cars and strike poses, adding to the drama and flair of the performance.
The sport is popular in Western countries, but relatively new in Bulawayo. The most common cars used for spinning are the BMW E30, Nissan Skyline and box-shape Toyota Corollas.
Mlilo said he had been passionate about spinning for a long time, but there was no proper venue for it in Bulawayo. He decided to find a piece of land and build a drift pad, which can accommodate up to 20 drifting cars.
“Car spinning has been there on the streets without a venue for a long time and it had a huge following but without a designated place to watch, then the idea came for me to hunt and find a piece of land and build the drift pad. I started building it in July and it can house around drifting 20 cars,” he said.
He tested his idea last year with a show called the “Spin Festival” at the Cold Storage Commission (CSC) premises in Bulawayo, which was a success. This year, he has invited drivers from South Africa, Bulawayo, Harare, Gweru and Masvingo to join him and his team in showcasing their skills and techniques.
The event promises to be a fun-filled and adrenaline-pumping affair for the whole family. Mlilo said he expects a large turnout of spectators, who will also get to network with the business community from the city.
“I think the magnitude of people that will be attending if the weather permits us well will get to enjoy themselves. They should expect fun filled with adrenaline at the same time networking with the business community from the city at large,” he said. — @MbuleloMpofu