Kyle Van Dyk Wins DRIFTCity In Cape Town

Written by: Craig Jarvis Save to Instapaper

DRIFTCity 2023 © Eric Palmer

Grand Parade, Cape Town - Inspired driving in wet conditions saw Kyle Van Dyk claim victory at the triumphant return of DRIFTCity - the unique and top-rated 'driftkhana' motorsport event that took place in Cape Town this weekend.

As the crowds gathered for a late morning start, so did the clouds, and with all sorts of rain and weather warnings for different parts of the country, there were some nervous moments.

Still, after a global pandemic and a run of unfavourable weather conditions put this renowned affair on ice for five years, nothing would stop the event organisers today. When a bit of a squall appeared, the competitors continued to gun their engines.

"If it's raining, it's not a problem," said event organiser Gary Stockenstroom. "There might be less burning of rubber and less smoke, but we can still go ahead."

After four days of setting up, DRIFTCity was on, and a little dampness wasn't going to slow anyone down. The drivers kicked off with determination, gunning for victory from the get-go. The roaring of engines and the screeching of tires ensued.

Daniel Blazer (3rd) and Christopher Long (2nd) © Eric Palmer

The spectators weren't fazed by the drizzle either. Some of them had travelled far to see the spectacle that is DRIFTCity, and they wanted to be there when the champion was announced, so they stayed resolutely until the end. This vibrant celebration is a fusion of motorsport, culture, and entertainment, making it a must-see spectacle for enthusiasts.

One of the most captivating aspects of the event is its unique location. The Grand Parade in Cape Town, a historic square surrounded by stunning architecture, provides a breathtaking backdrop for the races and festivities.

The drivers were competing on a technical course, which needed them to combine speed, smoke, angle, and timing, as well as deal with the rain and wet conditions as they went head-to-head against each other until the emergence of a winner.

"Definitely a bit of a curveball this year, with the rain and all that," said a cheerful Van Dyk on his win. "We still had pace on the dry, but we had to make quite a lot of changes on the wet to still be quick, and we had some decisions to make. I think we made the right choices, and it got us the win."