Welcome to Spin Sessions, where Vic Pardal dive deep into the world of spinning with both the superstars and the spectators, exploring the vibrant spinning culture that has taken South Africa and the world by storm.
In Episode 5, Vic Pardal sit down with the one and only Vaaitjie Kunene, affectionately known as “The Landlord” of spinning. Get ready for an adrenaline-packed ride as Vic Pardal delve into Vaaitjie’s journey, from his humble beginnings to becoming a driving force in the spinning community.
Vaaitjie’s journey began on the streets, where he fell in love with the art of spinning. Inspired by other spinning venues and the desire to have a space of his own, Vaaitjie embarked on a mission to create his own event space. Starting with a small circle in his backyard, he eventually expanded to accommodate the growing demand for spinning events. Despite facing challenges like flooding that temporarily halted business, Vaaitjie remains determined to keep the spinning spirit alive.
With over 15 years in the game, Vaaitjie is a seasoned spinner with a passion for precision driving and exhilarating stunts. From his early days spinning an E30 to mastering the art of weight reduction and car customization, Vaaitjie has continuously pushed the boundaries of spinning. He reflects on the evolution of spinning, from a focus on skills to the emergence of power-driven performances, and the impact it has had on the sport.
Discussing his experience at the Red Bull Shay’ iMoto event, Vaaitjie sheds light on the challenges and controversies faced by spinners. From threats and intimidation to concerns about fairness and judging, the event was marred by tensions among competitors. Despite the obstacles, Vaaitjie remains steadfast in his commitment to pushing the sport forward and creating opportunities for aspiring spinners.
As a mentor and coach to up-and-coming spinners like Yoram “Yummies” Naude, Vaaitjie is dedicated to nurturing talent and passing on his knowledge to the next generation. He envisions a future where spinning schools provide aspiring spinners with the skills and guidance they need to succeed in the sport.
Looking ahead, Vaaitjie dreams of building the ultimate spin car—a powerful machine capable of pushing the limits of speed and precision. With a focus on setup and performance, he believes that mastering the art of spinning is about more than just raw power—it’s about finesse, skill, and a deep understanding of the craft.
As Vic Pardal conversation comes to a close, Vaaitjie reflects on the essence of spinning—its thrill, its challenges, and its enduring appeal. From the streets to the tracks, from backyard circles to international stages, spinning is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life, a passion, and a community united by a love for adrenaline and excitement. And with spinners like Vaaitjie leading the way, the future of spinning looks brighter than ever.
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