Bragging rights back at Killarney for national final

One of the rides that will be in action in Killarney at the weekend.

DAVE ABRHAMS

The Western Province Motor Club, Race SA, GHC Drift Outlaws and Spin Outlaws, VP Racing Fuels, Gas Magazine and the City of Cape Town are proud to present the national finals of Bragging Rights at Killarney on Saturday November 20.

It’s a three-in-one blockbuster event featuring some of South Africa’s fastest drag racing cars and motorcycles, who have qualified in a series of regional Bragging Rights events, as well as the country’s top drifters and spinners – a must for any petrol head who loves big engines and tyre smoke.

The vehicles will be placed into classes based on qualifying times, as long as the car (or motorcycle) will pass a strict safety inspection.

In that way the contestants in each run will always be evenly matched. Then it’s all about lightning-fast reactions and getting the power down – wheelspin is easy, but it costs you time!

Drifting calls for car control of the highest order, throwing the car into a long, sustained slide around a set course, with the rear wheels spinning all the way. More than anything else, drifting is about balance between throttle, brakes and steering – all three inputs must be exactly right to keep the car on course for a perfect run and maximum points.

Competitive spinning, by contrast, has evolved from street-corner exhibitionism into an extraordinary combination of brute force and finesse; it demands ultra-rapid changes of direction at surprisingly low speeds, all while keeping the rear wheels spinning and sliding the car into and out of a series of obstacles or “boxes”.

It’s easy to see how “spinkhana” has its origins in parking lot one-upmanship but at this level, where you lose points for touching a cone, missing a mark, or even if the wheels stop spinning, it’s a lot more difficult than it looks, as some experienced “street outlaw” spinners have discovered to their cost.

These form part of the City’s commitment to work with Killarney to cater for the spinning and drifting needs of Cape Town’s car enthusiasts.

“The City of Cape Town is proud to be supporting local motorsport by partnering with Killarney to provide a platform where petrol heads can participate in their favourite sport in a safe and legal environment instead of illegal street racing,” said City of Cape Town spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo.

“We are also thrilled by the return of events at the International Raceway, a welcome indication for a turnaround for the events ecosystem, which could go a long way in the economy’s post-pandemic recovery.”

Spectators get to enjoy all three events for just R100 each, R40 for pupils under 16, free for children under 12 years of age and free for Western Province Motor Club members on production of their membership books at the gate.

To streamline the visitor experience, tickets will only be available online via Computicket.

There will be no ticket sales at the gate.

In terms of Government Gazette 45329 of October 15 2021 and MSA General Circular No.11 of 2021, adult spectators must show proof of vaccination before being admitted to the premises and no alcohol may be brought on to the premises or consumed during the event by any persons, including spectators.

Strict health and safety protocols among competitors, crews, officials and spectators will be observed, including temperature screening of all persons entering the facility. All persons attending Bragging Rights, whether as competitors, crew members, officials, media or spectators, will be required to wear a mask covering their noses and mouths and to observe social distancing of at least 1.5 metres between persons at all times.

For more information, contact Raziek Rajah on 084 611 6050, Nazeer Loonat on 082 957 1529 or Harry Naidoo on 072 398 0316.