Local drifter to take on country’s best

Local athlete Jim McFarlane is ready to defend his national championship title at this year’s Red Bull Car Park Drift.

The Morningside Manor resident is set to take on the country’s top drifters next month in Durban for the second edition of the competition. Drifters will be put through their paces until the top 16 are selected to go head-to-head.

Only one drifter will be crowned this year’s national champion and go on to fly the Mzansi flag high at the World Finals in Saudi Arabia later this year.

“Last year was an incredible experience for me, a tournament like Red Bull Car Park Drift is unprecedented in the country and allows the sport of drifting to grow,” said McFarlane.

He added that this knockout-type event can become really intense knowing that a driver’s every move is critiqued. “[It is] knowing that any wrong move or slightest mistake can put you out of the competition. Being able to control a car on the edge of spinning out around a set course, that’s as challenging as you can get it, in a motor vehicle.”

McFarlane said that winning last year’s competition was not only an honour but also a privilege as he had the opportunity to represent South Africa on the international stage. “To cut my teeth against the best in the world, it was definitely something I will never forget.”

Going into the next competition, McFarlan remains a calm, level-headed competitor. “I just go do what I know I can do, make as few mistakes as possible and be as consistent as possible. That has always helped me get to where I am in the sport.”

The Red Bull Car Park Drift will take place at Suncoast Hotel and Casino in Durban on April 9. Drifting fans that want to watch the action live can buy tickets at Computicket.

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