04 Feb 2025

A willow of smoke filled the sky as the sixth annual Season Opener event delivered an epic, jaw-dropping car spin-off showdown at Fairgrounds on Saturday. 

Multitudes of Batswana gathered for the highly anticipated event, which saw local and international car spinners go head-to-head in a thrilling competition.

Event organiser, Thuso Mudongo, explained that the annual Season Opener, typically held on the last weekend of January or the first weekend of February, brought together car spinners from Botswana and abroad. 

This year, the showdown featured seven South African competitors, one from Lesotho, and eight local spinners. 

The local line-up included King Joe, Team Villa, Sheriff, Joe Black, Dobenas, Tech Moch, MJ Louw, and Stunner, who faced stiff competition from international spinners such as Sunesh, Kutja, Lesilo, Makgasafire, Shezaad, TPlaya, and Shooting.

“In organising this event, we often face several challenges, especially financial constraints. Cars are expensive, and engaging in such high-cost sports presents its own hurdles. Safety is also a major concern, as we must adhere to the strict safety standards set by the Motor Sport Association (MSA),” Mudongo said.

Despite these challenges, he said there was a significant increase in corporate collaborations this year, which added both flair and professionalism to the event. 

“We will continue to seek out more partnerships, as they not only boost ticket sales but also help grow the event,” he said.

Tebogo Villander, a member of Team Villa, shared his journey into car spinning, which began in 2015 with a Toyota Altezza four-cylinder, 3S engine, manual gear car.  He noted the sport’s growth in Botswana but also highlighted significant challenges such as the lack of dedicated training facilities.

“Car spinning is expensive, particularly due to the sport’s limited number of sponsors,” said Villander. 

He said to overcome this challenge, they should increase visibility and participate in more events to attract sponsorship deals. 

“Preparation for tournaments is crucial, and it involves both car servicing and mental preparation. This sport requires total concentration, indulgence in alcohol or drugs will severely impact control and focus,” he said. 

Villander also called for more support from the Botswana National Sports Council to develop dedicated facilities for motorsport.

Minister for Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng attended the event and emphasised the growing popularity of motorsport in Botswana, urging continued support for youth-focused activities that promote good behaviour and responsible drinking.

“It is essential to support initiatives that attract the youth, as long as they foster positive conduct,” Mr Kelebeng said. 

He said they were committed to growing sports activities in Botswana.

The event provided an adrenaline-pumping spectacle for the crowd, which was left gasping for air from the thick clouds of tire smoke. The BMS Championship, held under the theme "Lewa Le Fetogile," saw six spinners emerge victorious.

In the open international championship, Sunesh claimed first place, followed by Lesilo in second and Kutja in third. In the local championship, King Joe secured first place, Sheriff took second, and Team Villa rounded out the top three. ENDS