Tourism gets into ‘top gear’
Next thing I knew I was in the car with The Stig, or was it really him?
TUESDAY, March 12 saw Ugu South Coast Tourism being invited to a top secret event, hosted at Dezzi’s Raceway.
This ‘top secret’ event was organised by the South African Top Gear Festival team and saw celebrities, sports heroes and media from around the country, all gathered to find out what the plans are.
With the festival set for June, and this being the third year in which KwaZulu-Natal is hosting the event at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, there was much fanfare in the air.
Top Gear’s James Cooke-Priest opened the day to a rather diverse crowd of people, and to more television cameras than the Sony Japanese manufacturing plant has.
Yes, he did tell us a bit about what was coming into the new show, but you can visit www.topgearlive.com to get more info on that as this article is not about them, it’s about us.
And yes, perhaps I can admit that I am a blonde in disguise and can’t do car-talk, but I can sure do a lot of shmoozing with media, hence the invite. Sorry, only one person allowed. Confidential invitation.
So, I am talking about Dezzi’s Raceway and Tourism hanging with the kingpins.
Let’s start at the beginning. All we had was a simple pre-warning to wear closed shoes and long pants.
I figured, oh shame, they are watching the weather report and looking after our best interests. Hardly.
James had barely finished chatting and next thing… The Stig was racing a helicopter down Dezzi’s Raceway (guess who lost?).
Next thing I knew I was in the car with The Stig, or was it really him?
He didn’t say a word and wouldn’t let me hug him. I wonder if it’s a British thing?
I do have other incriminating photos though, so look out for Tourism South Coasts’ facebook page to view the full album.
So, after going at 400km/hour around hairpin bends, twice, I moseyed off to find my balance and sense of direction. Shaken, not stirred.
Time to find some celebrities, ah there they are… I zoned in on East Coast Radio deejay Darren Maule, crazy man Jack Parow, and Sharks rugby player Ryan Kankowski.
And to end the day, it was drifting with Dezzi, who is currently ranked sixth in South Africa for this rather heart-thumping, hair-straightening kind of hobby.
Well this may be a hobby to some but all I can say is that Dezzi’s set-up is far from ‘just something on the side’. This is world-class stuff. You haven’t lived until you have drifted at Dezzi’s.
Another tough day in paradise.
For more by Nikki Tilley, take a look at her blogs
