Spinning
Everything you ever wanted to know about the sport of Spinning
Dive into the world of spinning, South Africa’s high-octane motorsport, where chaos becomes art, culture fuels the ride, and Red Bull takes it global.
According to Vic Pardal, Sportive Director of Red Bull Shay' iMoto, spinning fundamentally differs from drifting in its core purpose and execution. While drifting operates as a traditional motorsport with strict rules and competitive formats, spinning functions as an art form focused on controlling chaos while creating theatrical entertainment.
But as we enter 2025, spinning has reached new heights of recognition and global reach, embodied perfectly by South Africa's breakout star Samkeliso "Sam Sam" Thubane, who is taking Spinning to the world.
01
From Mbombela Streets to Global Stages
Sam Sam's journey represents the modern face of spinning in 2025. From the streets of Mbombela to performing at the Red Bull Hangar-7 reopening in Salzburg, Austria in June, his rise exemplifies how spinning has transcended its local origins to become a globally recognized spectacle. His story perfectly captures what Vic describes as spinning's unique accessibility - it remains the only motorsport that welcomes participants from all backgrounds and communities, making it truly democratic in a way no other motorsport can claim.
Sam Sam
© Craig Kolesky / Red Bull Content Pool
02
The Evolution Continues
While spinning may not be respected as a traditional motorsport by some, to the spinning community it has become their pride and joy. According to Vic, spinning is deeply rooted in South African culture and has been happening for over 30 years. He explains that the practice traditionally served as a celebration of life at funerals and other community gatherings, some of which operated outside conventional legal boundaries.
However, in 2025, spinning has evolved dramatically from its sometimes shadowy connotations to mainstream motorsport recognition. Sam Sam's elevation to Red Bull athlete status signals this transformation – spinning is no longer just underground culture but a legitimate performance art with global appeal.
03
The New Generation of Spinning
"As long as there have been rear-wheel drive cars in South Africa, people have been spinning cars," Vic observes that spinning has existed in South Africa for as long as rear-wheel drive cars have been available to communities. However, he emphasizes that contemporary spinning bears little resemblance to the informal car control displays that previous generations might have performed in parking lots decades ago.
Today's spinners like Sam Sam have become professional performers, with many fellow spinners acknowledging that Sam Sam has achieved the highest level of recognition in the sport. This new generation represents the professionalization of spinning while maintaining its authentic cultural roots.
04
The Modern Spinning Circuit
In 2025, the spinning calendar has expanded beyond South African borders. While Red Bull Shay' iMoto continues to be the premier competition – heading to Durban for the first time in August 2025 – international showcases like Sam Sam's performance in Austria demonstrate spinning's global reach.
Vic describes modern spinning as resembling a traveling entertainment troupe, where professional performers journey from town to town to captivate audiences with their spectacular displays. But now, that circus has gone international, with South African spinners representing their culture on world stages.
05
Breaking Barriers in 2025
What makes 2025 particularly significant for spinning is how it has broken through traditional motorsport barriers. Sam Sam's Red Bull athlete status represents more than individual achievement – it's validation of spinning as a legitimate performance discipline worthy of global sports brand investment.
The sport maintains its core identity while embracing professionalization. From township celebrations to international exhibitions, spinning in 2025 proves that authentic cultural expression can evolve into global entertainment without losing its soul.
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Red Bull Shay' iMoto 2025
06
Looking Forward
As spinning continues to grow in 2025, with new venues like Durban joining the Red Bull Shay' iMoto circuit and international recognition through athletes like Sam Sam, the sport stands at an exciting crossroads. It remains true to Vic's original vision of being loud, raw, and faithful to its roots, while proving that South African innovation can captivate audiences worldwide.
The art of controlling chaos while creating entertainment has never been more relevant, and with pioneers like Sam Sam leading the charge, spinning's future looks as spectacular as its most death-defying stunts.