The novel motorsport genre known as drifting, hits the local tracks for the first time when the inaugural edition of the much-publicised hp lubes-Castrol Festival of Speed, which is headlined by a professional drifting team from South Africa, roars to life at Donnybrook this weekend.
By Munyaradzi Madzokere
Dubbed the Festival of Speed, the event, which is slated for September 6, is billed to attract thousands of local motorsport enthusiasts.
For the first time in Zimbabwe, Sables-Dragpro Club, organisers of drag racing and main circuit racing in Zimbabwe, in association with hp lubes-Castrol, are bringing motorsport fans a taste of the fastest growing motorsport discipline, which many may have enjoyed on television only.
“Four of the premier drifting professionals from South Africa will be setting the track alight with several sessions of high speed sideways mayhem through the Donnybrook ‘ESSES’ in their two Nissan 350Zs and two Speed and Sound Chevy Luminas V8s. All is now in place for the historic staging of this event and motorsport genre here in Zimbabwe,” said Suzan Zevgolis, the Sables-Dragpro Clubs official.
“In addition to the four or five sessions of drifting, throughout the day, the programme of events will include circuit racing with cars and bikes, drag racing on the 1/8th mile track, for the first time at Donnybrook, and an end of day spinning and burnouts displays by local experts Spin City.”
Zevgolis said this could mark the beginning of drifting in Zimbabwe, as the South Africans have pledged to assist in the training of aspiring local drifters.
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Drifting is often mistaken for spinning, but it is a driving technique, where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels or all tyres, while maintaining control from entry to exit of a corner.
In between the racing action, spectators will be able to visit automotive stalls in the pits which will include a classic cars and bikes exhibit.
As an extra treat for the juniors, Country Club Karts will also be available in the pit areas to sign them up for a taste of junior karting on the day.
