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We've already seen the Springbok clinch the William Webb Ellis trophy in Japan earlier this year, now there's hope for a second win in a different genre of sport.
Local boy Juan Stemmet will be hoping that the Land of the rising sun will shine its grace onto him this weekend as he takes part in the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup (IDC) in Japan.
Springbok inspiration
All the thrills, spills and tyre shredding action will take place at the famed Tsukuba Circuit where Stemmet will do battle in his Ford V8-powered Nissan S13 200SX, currently pushing out around 370kW.
EXCLUSIVE | This Cape Town racer is ready to burn rubber at the Intercontinental Drifting Cup
For those not immediately clued up, the 25-year-old Capetonian is the only South African chosen by the FIA to compete at the event. Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that he began competing in this sport only a few years ago, merely taking part as a hobby to pass the time - oh how quickly things have changed.
How do you think Juan will fare against some of the world's best drifters in the world? Email us.
Juan will definitely have his hands full with the likes of Michael Whiddett, also known as 'Mad Mike' and multiple Russian winner FIA IDC winner Georgy Chivchyan. They form part of a strong 31-man contingent with their sight set on the prestigious prize to be handed out in France at the end of the year.
Image: Raziek Rajah
It was Raziek Rajah, race master and executive producer for Razor Customs and Drift Outlaws, who got the ball rolling and submitted the application to the FIA and allow Juan to take part.
From hobby to dream
To further aide the young drifter's course, everything from the transport of the racecar to Japan and race entry costs were all covered by Good Hope Construction. The City of Cape Town also joined up as a title sponsor.
Image: Raziek Rajah
Stemmet's participation in the coveted event drills home the fact that South Africa's motorsport roots are getting stronger. The Kyalami 9-Hour, World RX Championship, and the likely inclusion of Formula E is testament to that.
The racing suit and accompanying apparel is sponsored by Total South Africa while Alderman JP Smith did the official handover earlier in November.
The event kicks off on Friday (Nov 29) with qualifying taking place on Saturday. Keep your eyes tuned to the website for live stream links from the event.
