Jim McFarlane drives off with the Red Bull Car Park Drift South Africa 2023 title.
Suncoast Arena, Durban was filled with smoke and tyre-screeching action this past weekend as South Africa’s top drifters gathered together to vie for the 2023 Red Bull Car Park Drift title. Johannesburg’s very own, Jim McFarlane, drifted his way to victory beating 24 other drivers.
This year’s competition was a tight one ending off with underdogs, Cale van der Berg, and Michael Skelton; past champions Jim McFarlane and Jason Webb, and local hero Paolo Jr Gouviea in the final round. The judges had their work cut out for them and in the end, it was Jim who proved why he was crowned champion back in 2021 when he clinched his second Red Bull Car Park Drift title with flare and precision.
“Today was very special and unique – yes drifting is an individual sport, but I have a team behind me that works hard to help me get out there and do what I do. I had problems with the car and was worried about limp mode, but they sorted it out and I was able to compete. Well done to Red Bull for putting together such an amazing event that also showcases the spirit of comradery. When Cale’s car broke down, everyone came together to fix it. I am really excited about the world final later this year and hoping to do better than I did the last time I competed there,” said Jim McFarlane.
The drifting weekend kicked off on Friday, 14 April with 25 drivers going head-to-head in the qualifying rounds to book their place in the final on Saturday. The stage was set as the cream of the crop displayed their best drifting skills through the tough obstacle course prepared by world-renowned motorsport champion and Guinness Record holder Abdo Feghali.
Part of the armature drifting includes partnering with the right brands such as Motul. “The demands that the Red Bull Car Park Drift series places on cars and engines provide the perfect playground to showcase Motul’s superior lubricant range,” commented Mercia Jansen, Motul Area Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean.
“That’s why, we are proud to be the global lubricant partner for this adrenaline-packed series,” she concluded. In addition to the display of great drifting skills, the crowd was treated to a thrilling aerial show by Red Bull athlete and five-time South African aerobatics champion, Pat Davidson. While drifting expert and host, Vic Pardal, kept the crowd, and drivers’ energy on a high throughout the event.
Judges, Brenton Gregory, Bruno Miranda, and Michael van der Linde scored the drivers on how well they continuously drifted, followed the track, the amount of smoke their car displayed, the exterior of the car, and much more. Jim, impressed throughout the entire competition, and as the 2023 champion, he will represent Mzansi at the World Final in Qatar later this year.