The smell of burning rubber is set to fill the salt-tinged air of Durban’s Golden Mile, as Red Bull Shay’ iMoto is embarking on its most ambitious chapter yet. On Sunday, 10 August, the Suncoast Casino will transform into an arena where South Africa’s spinning elite gather not just to compete, but to claim their place in motorsport folklore.
A New Coast, A New Story
For years, spinning has been the heartbeat of South African townships, a raw expression of creativity born from necessity, where drivers turned everyday cars into instruments of art. What started as weekend gatherings on empty lots has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that speaks to the soul of South African youth. Now, for the first time in Red Bull Shay’ iMoto history, this electrifying spectacle comes to KwaZulu-Natal.
Durban has always been different. It’s where the spinning scene carries its own distinct flavour, influenced by the city’s multicultural energy, its proximity to the ocean, and its reputation as the playground of KwaZulu-Natal.
This year, the 16-driver head-to-head format once again promises a collision of styles and ambitions. Among the confirmed lineup are returning champions carrying the weight of expectation, hungry newcomers with nothing to lose, and local heroes finally getting their home ground advantage.
Each driver brings their own story to the tarmac. Some learned to spin in the shadow of mine dumps, others perfected their craft along beachfront promenades. Some are third-generation spinners, carrying family legacies in their DNA. Others are newcomers who discovered their calling in the smoke and thunder of previous Red Bull Shay’ iMoto events.
Red Bull Shay’iMoto 2024 | Mpumelelo Macu | Red Bull Contentpool
As has become known of this event, it isn’t just about who can produce the thickest smoke or the longest slide. The judging criteria: vehicle control, style, showmanship, and crowd impact, reflect spinning’s evolution from street pastime to performance art.
The Durban crowd will witness battles that extend beyond the track. Old rivalries will reignite under the coastal sun, while new ones are born in the heat of competition. Indeed, the move to Durban represents more than a change of venue, it’s a homecoming for a sport that has always belonged to the people. The Suncoast Casino location brings together the urban energy of spinning with the laid-back coastal vibe that defines Durban. Expect the unexpected: tyre smoke mixing with sea breeze, the roar of engines competing with crashing waves, and a crowd that understands both the technical precision and emotional weight of every performance.
Tickets are available via Computicket for what promises to be a defining moment in South African motorsport. Come for the competition. Stay for the community. Leave with stories that will last a lifetime.
The 2025 Red Bull Shay’ iMoto Champion will be crowned not just as a driver, but as the author of this new KZN chapter. For more information on the 2025 Red Bull Shay’iMoto event, please visit: https://www.redbull.com/za-en/
List of top 16 drivers
- Boksie
- Jabu
- Magesh Junior
- Makgasa Fire
- Robin Fortuin
- Sadz – Flyboxin
- Skopas / Bad Company
- Team 2xspicy JZ
- Team Kayla
- Team Nevs
- Team Osizweni
- Team VQ25
- Vaaitjie
- Ziko
- Lockdiff