PressClub South Africa · Article.
BMW M South Africa powers the 2020 Red Bull Shay’ iMoto car spinning competition
Tue Sep 22 13:00:00 CEST 2020 Press Kit
Midrand, South Africa - In what the local motorsport industry considers to be a natural fit, BMW M South Africa announced its official partnership with the country’s premier car spinning competition, the Red Bull Shay’ iMoto.
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BMW Group
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- BMW 325is part of local motorsport heritage
- Limpopo’s King Katra wins the prestigious title
- BMW 330is Edition pays homage to the iconic BMW 325is
For decades, the rear-wheel drive “box shape” BMW 325is – dubbed as the Gusheshe in South Africa’s townships – continues to be the vehicle of choice for skilled drivers who execute heart-stopping twists and unbelievable stunts. The BMW’s 50:50 weight distribution, blistering performance and lightweight offer an unmatched combination for these thrill seekers.
“As BMW M South Africa, we are thrilled to be an official sponsor of the Red Bull Shay’ iMoto competition. We remain true to the brand’s slogan of ‘The most powerful letter in the world’ as we back an iconic form of motorsport in South Africa. There is no other car that aptly represents the spinning culture in South Africa such as the BMW 325is. It is an integral part of the sport and we are planning to build on this heritage with our official partnership,” said Gennaro Bonafede, Head of BMW M South Africa.
“The BMW 325is is such a legendary brand locally that BMW South Africa is paying homage to it by introducing just 230 units of the 330is Edition. With an acceleration of 0 – 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds and a power output of 190 kW, it’s racing in the footsteps of the BMW 325is. The competition could not have taken place at a more appropriate time of the year – during Heritage Month – as the BMW 325is forms a vital part of South Africa’s motorsport heritage. Our decision to partner with the competition is further backed by the fact that, last year, South Africa was the third market in the world in terms of BMW M sales, as a comparison to overall sales figures,” added Bonafede.
BMW M South Africa backs local top spinners with King Katra taking the title home
In its second year, the Red Bull Shay’ iMoto is an electrifying competition that features South Africa’s top spinners who go head-to-head to clinch the coveted title. The 2020 edition was just as thrilling, having taken place this past Saturday, in a secret location. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, spectators were not permitted, but the event was streamed live online.
Ten of the best spinners from across the country gathered behind closed doors to showcase their spinning skills and stunts. The competition’s judging panel was made up of legendary spinners, including Jeff James, Magesh and Shehiem Bell.
Last year, South Africans were treated to mind-blowing spinning stunts at the inaugural Red Bull Shay’ iMoto, hosted at the Wheelz ‘n Smoke Arena, as 16 spinners battled it out for the championship. After a heated competition, the Nigel spinning king Vernon “Veejaro” Hendricks came out on top and was crowned the first ever Red Bull Shay’ iMoto champion.
This year, Veejaro returned to defend his title against some of last year’s favourites such as Northern Cape based, Kayla Olifant who made it all the way to the final before her car let her down.
This year’s winner - the young and hungry for success King Katra - is known for his crazy high-speed high risk stunts. He took home the coveted title for his gravity-defying manoeuvres and ultimate control of his car.
Viewers can catch up on all the action on SABC 1 on Saturday, 10 October at 13:30, as all the performances will be aired on the channel.
For more content on this year’s competition, visit www.redbull.co.za. For more information on the BMW 330is Edition, log on to www.bmw.co.za.
Ends.
If you have any queries regarding this press release, please contact:
BMW South Africa Group Communications:
Mr Sibusiso Mkwanazi
BMW South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Manager: Group Product Communications
Cell: +27 71 666 0171
Mail: Sibusiso.Mkwanazi@bmw.co.za
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2019, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 175,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.
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