Spinning (motorsport)

The motorsport originated in Soweto in the setting of black oppression and gangster culture.[1] In the late 1980s, spinning increased in popularity.[2] It was initially performed as a funeral ritual.[1][3] A car would be stolen and spun around to honor the deceased.[1]

In the early 1990s, spinning became practiced outside of the criminal world.[1] Drivers drag-raced and performed stunts with their cars.[1] Spinning has since evolved to become more formalized as a legitimate sport, complete with promoters, performers, and spectators.[1] Motorsport South Africa now regulates and licenses spinning events.[4] In 2012, Motorsport South Africa recognized an event in Soweto in which the spinners received "Official Motorsport Licenses for Spinning".[4] In 2014, spinning was recognized as an official motorsport by Motorsport South Africa.[2] Nevertheless, informal and illegal spinning events still occur.[4]

"Gusheshe" on display

The basic concept of the sport is that the driver drives in circles at speed and climbs outside of the vehicle to perform stunts.[1] Spinning is related to drifting[5] and is an extreme sport with elements of danger.[1][6] In addition to drivers, spectators often stand close to the action and can be in harm's way.[5]

Spinning can involve riders hanging out of the car with their heads close to the ground, or running alongside the spinning car.[5] Some spinners balance on the car roof as the car does doughnuts, sometimes using bike chains or a partner to keep the steering wheel in place.[5] The spinners will often select old tires with worn treads; popping tires is part of the sport and spinning on the rim marks completion.[5] The spinners will usually drive around from one to five minutes, but can go as long as twenty minutes.[5] The top speed rarely exceeds 60 kilometres per hour (37 mph).[5]

The BMW 325i, known as "gusheshe", is iconic to the sport.[1] In the early days, 5- and 7-series BMWs were favored, before the 3-series became preferred.[5] The BMW 325 has rear-wheel drive[5] and good stability.[6] A BMW 325i can cost R20,000 (about US$1640), and because of the vehicle's image and scarcity, owners often prefer to repair their own vehicles despite the high cost.[5] Other car models used in spinning include Toyota,[6] Chevy, Ford, and Nissan Skyline.[5]

Spinning has spread across southern African to places such as Zimbabwe and Eswatini.[5] Part of the sport is the celebrity aspect, where drivers are known for their personalities as well as their driving abilities.[1] Spinning has become a cultural phenomenon and has been featured in films and music videos.[6]

Because of the nature of the sport, maintenance and repair of the car can become expensive.[1] Most drivers, including those who are celebrities, have day jobs to pay for their sport.[1][5] Even after being recognized as an official motorsport, spinning still lacks a formal sponsorship structure that would insure drivers a reliable income.[2] The average driver will not earn more than US$300 at an official event.[5] In 2017, it was reported that a ticket to watch a spinning show cost about US$7.[6][7]

In media, spinning has been seen in Die Antwoord's "Baby's on Fire" music video.[1]

There is a current debate between maintaining spinning's authenticity and moving towards regulation, such as safety regulations.[5] In an unregulated setting, spinning and some car modifications are illegal under the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.[5] However, organizing a legitimate event can be prohibitively expensive.[5] Thus, underground spinning events still occur.[5]

• Car surfing
• Drifting
• Ghost riding
• Sideshow (automobile exhibition)