WATCH: Wheelz n Smoke promotes the culture of drifting
They have an annual all-ladies competitive event called SPINderella, which was established in 2018.
What most consider as chaos and loud noise, Wheelz n Smoke considers as a platform of turning spinners into athletes.
Like the name suggests, Wheelz n Smoke is all about spinning cars, as drifters continuously entertain spectators.
Neighbouring Brackendowns, they are a home to spinners and are dedicated to unite people from all walks of life in enjoying the culture of drifting.
Spinning is a motorsport that involves driving cars at high speed in circles and performing stunts in and out of the car. Co-founded by Monde Hashe, Ayanda Mbele and Themba Fungati, Wheelz n Smoke has been around for over nine years.
Mbele said Wheelz n Smoke has brought a positive impact to the community and that they are not just a mere sport, but a family.
“This has the power to unite different individuals. Wheelz n Smoke offers an opportunity for spinners to be able to earn a living just like any other soccer or rugby player. The brand creates job opportunities for individuals in the surrounding communities,” she said.
She told the RECORD they are on a mission of promoting spinning as a culture because of its historic background of being associated with gangsterism.
WATCH: A video showing one of Wheelz n Smoke’s spinning session
Hands-on
The brand has taken part in development programmes to help rewrite the sport’s narrative through different community projects. Among many, those include Say No to Xenophobia and No to Racism.
They have an annual all-ladies competitive event called SPINderella, which was established in 2018. Mbele said this event is aimed at highlighting the presence and role women play in spinning and in motorsport, being a male-dominated industry.
“The key success of the event in 2018 was exposing 16 female spinners to the commercial market. This was to encourage gender equality in the sport and put pressure on other event hosts to book lady spinners who are getting little recognition,” she said.
Wheelz n Smoke’s arena has also catered for some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, namely Nadia Nakai, Nasty C and Davido in shooting their music videos.
They have been recognised in and out of the country for their excellence and have also worked with the country’s renowned spinners. They have also been in involved with Brackendowns SAPS in some of its community projects.
In October 2019, Wheelz n Smoke partnered with Redbull its first event at their arena called Redbull Shay’imoto.
Usual day
Thursday nights and Sundays are normally packed and is described as epic events for spectators as they watch spinners show off their stunts in the arena.
“Wheelz n Smoke attracts masses between 600 to 1 200 weekly and about 2 000 to 5 000 on special occasions. While promoting safety, those who come through have a blast because this is a family space and children now aspire to be like these spinners one day,” said Mbele.
“People do not only forget about their problems when they are at our arena, they are also motivated and encouraged to embrace their talents. Movements like No to Xenophobia at Wheelz n Smoke impact individuals to become better people.”
One of their programmes called Revved Sunday is a programme aimed at honouring spinners. This event takes place every last Sunday of the month and is dedicated to family.
