Alberton: The testosterone tang of aftershave and burnt tyres wafts over an asphalt track outside Johannesburg, where hundreds gather to watch cars skid into circles at dizzying speed, stunt performers hanging perilously out of windows.
Image Credit: AFP
2 of 10
White plumes of smoke billow into the air as drivers take turns spinning round and round in circles.
Image Credit: AFP
3 of 10
The biggest daredevils let go of the steering wheel or hang themselves upside down out of open car doors as the vehicle keeps going.
Image Credit: AFP
4 of 10
Now recognised as a motor sport, "spinning" was born in South African townships during the late 1980s, when gangsters would spin stolen cars to show off their booty.
Image Credit: AFP
5 of 10
"They would also spin at their fallen heroes' funerals," said Stacey-Lee May, one of South Africa's rare female spinners. Aged 25, May has become a professional and competed in England, New York and Pakistan.
Image Credit: AFP
6 of 10
In the industrial town of Alberton, southeast of Johannesburg, 34-year-old spinner Ibrahim Toffie diligently checked his tyres before hitting the track.
Image Credit: AFP
7 of 10
"Spinners" spend hours in garages vamping up their racing cars. Most of are old BMW carcasses with pimped engines, suspensions and exhaust pipes.
Image Credit: AFP
8 of 10
"Why do I do that? For the nervousness you get each time. We are all after that adrenaline rush," Toffie told AFP.
Image Credit: AFP
This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you.
Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.
