Known as South Africa’s premier spinning event, the gates were open to spectators who were excluded from the last two editions of the Red Bull Shay’ iMoto due to Covid regulations. The motorsport show was, however, streamed on RedBull live TV to audiences around the world. But this year saw a record-breaking 4,000 people fill the grandstands.

Kempton Park resident Simangele Mokadi, who was a part of the audience, described her emotion as she watched the spinners battle it out. 

Siphesihle Emmanuel entertains the crowd before the final between Austin Kruger and ‘Sam Sam’ during the Red Bull Shay’ iMoto at Wheelz n Smoke, Johannesburg on 3 September, 2022. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

Last year’s show was streamed on RedBull live TV to audiences around the world. But this year saw a record-breaking 4,000 people fill the grandstands. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

“How do I put this into words — it was spectacular. I can’t even describe it in words, that’s how amazing it was. Just seeing these guys spin, them wanting to win. It was awesome and different from the other spin shows, the adrenaline of watching was so intense. And it was completely different from watching it on TV.”

When asked who she was rooting for, she said, “Well I had hoped for my boy Yoram to win. The elimination round was intense but he was eliminated on Friday so I knew somehow that Samkeliso ‘Sam Sam’ would win again. When asked about her prediction she said, “The boy is good and very talented. He was mentored by the best, Jeff James.”

Stuntman Peterpaul James gestures at the camera as he leans out of the car during the Red Bull Shay’ iMoto at Wheelz n Smoke, Johannesburg on 3 September, 2022. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

Fans watch as they are entertained by the various spinners. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

The course was challenging for even the most experienced spinners and the pressure mounted as they battled for first position while showcasing their spinning skills and signature stunts. Each contestant was given 2½ minutes to complete the course and although similar to last year, a few changes were made. 

Visit Daily Maverick’s home page for more news, analysis and investigations

The course consisted of a number of stages: The Target Slide, The Kitchen, The Box/Make-Out Corner, Side to Side/Bread and Butter, the Power Slide and the newly introduced Caterpillar.

In the end, it was Samkeliso ‘SamSam’ Thubane and Austin Kruger who battled it out. Both drivers displayed exceptional car control, technical skills, and flair that set up a mouth-watering finale that left the judges on the edge of their seats. 

The crowd cheers on a driver (not pictured). This year saw the return of spectators to the the Red Bull Shay’ iMoto who were excluded from the last two editions due to Covid regulations. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

Just as Mokadi predicted, it was ‘Sam Sam’ that drove away with the 2022 title. He left the crowd and judges screaming for more as he displayed extraordinary driving skills and jaw-dropping stunts, including an exit from his car boot as well as playing his guitar while the car was spinning. 

‘Sam Sam’ exiting the powerslide as he battles to take first place, during the Red Bull Shay’ iMoto at Wheelz n Smoke, Johannesburg on 3 September, 2022. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

Said ‘Sam Sam’ in a press statement, “I am very happy to be the first driver to win the title back to back. Earlier in the day, I wasn’t feeling well, but I think the smell of burning tyres is my medication because once I got into the car I felt like myself. I still can’t believe I managed to win, but I kept going and did my best.”

Austin Kruger and his stuntman Kevin ‘Rasta’ Abrahams engaging with their audience during the Red Bull Shay’ iMoto at Wheelz n Smoke, Johannesburg on 3 September, 2022. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

This year Red Bull Shayi’ Moto introduced two more judges to assist spinning legends Magesh Ndaba, Jeff James, and Shahiem Bell in crowning the 2022 champion. Popular local kwaito star, Kabelo Mabalane joined the trio as a guest judge as they witnessed the thrilling night of Mzansi’s prime spinning event. The audience was also involved in an unofficial fifth judge capacity — using their LED wristbands, they could select their favourite driver in each round by switching on a red or blue light.

Judge Shahiem Bell holds up a voting board. Bell says the Shay’ iMoto just keeps on getting bigger and better and described the event as electrifying. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

Bell, who has been judging the competition for the past four years, said, “This being the premier spinning event in South Africa just gets bigger and better. As much as the crowd gets excited, so do we as the judges. Having an audience this year made such a huge difference. One could literally see how the drivers engage with the audience. To put it into words, it was electrifying.”

Austin Kruger navigates his way through the course. Each contestant was given 2½ minutes to complete the course and although similar to last year there were a few changes made. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

Cape Town-based spinner, Yaseen Damon, has been participating in the Red Bull Shayi’ Moto since its inception, said, “For two years there were no crowds. If you pulled a stunt or jumped out of your car there was no one to hype you up. This year was different, there was a reaction from the crowd, people were screaming my name and I knew I had a reason to perform. This sport is based on having crowds.” 

‘Sam Sam’ wows the audience after pulling out a guitar while spinning, landing him the 2022 title during the Red Bull Shay’ iMoto at Wheelz n Smoke, Johannesburg on 3 September, 2022. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

Regarding how he felt at getting knocked out in the quarter-finals, he said, “This year I came with a different mindset. I came to have fun. I enjoyed it and I had fun.” DM