From a Zola Budd to a Gusheshe and an F1 car, Red Bull Showrun left no crumbs

JOHANNESBURG - Twenty-five thousand motorsport enthusiasts flocked to Sandton to see the thrilling Red Bull Showrun. 

With British racing star David Coulthard's Oracle Red Bull Racing RB7 Formula 1 vehicle at the centre of the action, Katherine Street in Sandton was converted into a thunderous motorsport stadium.

After many years, a Formula 1 car made its way back to Johannesburg with this historic event.

The event wasn't just about speed and stunts, but also about bringing the community together. With food and drink vendors arranged throughout the stadium, the Red Bull Showrun Johannesburg effectively created a family-friendly atmosphere that made the event enjoyable for spectators.

Comedians Mpho Popps Modikoane and Jason Goliath made sure to infuse the occasion with a Mzansi flavour by making a spectacular entrance in a Zola Budd taxi that had the audience in stitches.

The 2011 championship-winning RB7 was driven by 13-time Grand Prix winner and former Red Bull Racing driver, David Coulthard, who enthralled the audience with donuts, burnouts, and fast runs. With its 750 horsepower and 18,000 RPM redline, the RB7's engine sounded loud and clear across Sandton.

"It’s always special to bring Formula 1 to the streets and engage with fans in such an up-close and personal way. Driving the RB7 here in Johannesburg was incredible—the energy from the crowd was electrifying," said Coulthard after completing his first run. "The enthusiasm for motorsport in South Africa is palpable, and it’s a privilege to be part of that excitement."

The event had a variety of amazing local and international side acts in addition to Coulthard's amazing performance, which kept the audience glued to their seats the whole day. 

One half of the renowned "Red Bull Driftbrothers," German drift phenom, Elias Hountondji, displayed his elite drifting abilities in a series of adrenaline-pumping feats. Hountondji, who is not only a professional drifter but also a certified aerospace engineer, astonished fans with his exquisite handling and daring manoeuvres on the tight city circuit.

Known for their tire-burning antics, local spinners Samkeliso "Sam Sam" Thubane, Vaatjie, and Katjia dazzled the audience, and Lithuanian motorbike stunt rider Arūnas "Aras" Gibieža also made an appearance on the streets. Gibieža was well-known for his gravity-defying stunts and impeccable control, as he performed burnouts, wheelies, and stoppies.

In between the automobile laps, he and the local hero of stunt riding, Brian Capper, kept the crowd interested and contributed to the festival-like atmosphere. 

Sam Sam, a recent Red Bull athlete signee, had a unique day.

"Watching the South African motorsports fans come out and appreciate all the different car styles and drivers was amazing," he said. "It was also incredible for me to be on the same track and stage as David Coulthard. We did a fantastic job!"