05 Nov 2026

Botswana’s spinning community is gearing up for the Ultimate Fairgrounds Spin Invasion billed for Fairground Spin Arena tomorrow. 

The event, hosted by Botswana Motorsport Affiliate Agents Spin Masters, is expected to bring together local and international spinners as organisers seek to revive the sport and establish a structured championship.

Speaking at a media briefing recently, vice president of Botswana Motor Sports, Tefo Dithapo, said spinning did not take place in Botswana for some time, largely due to financial and land requirements involved in hosting such an event.

He said the upcoming event would be the first spinning event of the year and an opportunity to rebuild interest in the sport.

He said the event, which will feature guest spinners including Renzo, Mano, Shezaad, Pikachu and Digger, alongside local participants, will have two categories; one for local spinners and another for international participants.

Dithapo said the decision to separate the categories was intended to give local competitors a fair opportunity, as some international participants had more experience and exposure.

The event will also form part of a championship that organisers intend to develop, with a further competition planned before the overall winners are crowned in the final round next year.

Dithapo said there would be no prize money at the event, with trophies set to be awarded to the top three participants in each category. 

“We are still looking for sponsors who could contribute cash prizes,” he said.

He noted that some participants took part in spinning out of passion for the sport and a desire to see it grow, rather than for financial rewards.

On safety, Dithapo said trained fire marshals would be present to manage fire related risks, while Botsogo Pele would provide medical services during the event.

Dithapo also acknowledge the need to strengthen the sport’s regulatory framework.

“Spinning is not recognised as a separate code under the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Botswana currently operates under local regulations,” he said.

He said efforts were underway to align local rules with regulations used in Namibia and South Africa, with the aim of creating a more consistent framework for the sport.

The event is expected to provide a platform for local spinners to gain exposure through interaction with competitors from other countries, while giving the sport fresh momentum in Botswana. 

Dithapo further said organisers were hoping to secure a permanent practice facility for the spinning community, with land identified within a proposed National Sports Commission master plan. However, finalisation of the plans is still awaited.

“We are trying to bring back the culture,” he said, adding that the long-term ambition was to secure a permanent base where local spinners could practice and develop their skills. ENDS