For Cape’s drift queen, the only way is sideways

Cape Town - One of the drivers who will be setting the Grand Parade alight at DriftCity on Sunday doesn't look anything like the stereotypical petrolhead.

This petite thirtysomething is as fast and furious as any of the guys.

Firdous Asmodien is a petite thirtysomething with an honours degree in physiotherapy - but when she straps on a crash helmet and climbs into her specially modified Toyota Supra, she's as fast and as furious as any of the guys.

IOL Head of News Riana Howa spoke to Asmodien two days before her professional drift competition debut at DriftCity:

Howa: Why did you choose drifting over other forms of motorsport and what do you love most about it?

Asmodien: Drifting gives me an adrenalin rush like no other sport. It requires a unique skill that takes time, practice, discipline and perseverance to perfect. I love the danger aspect of it and being in control of a potentially life-threatening situation.

Howa: Given how male-dominated motorsport tends to be, did you find it difficult to gain acceptance in these circles?

Asmodien: Drifting is very much a male-dominated sport, but the guys in my motorsport circle have been very welcoming. I actually think as a woman it's easier to get the support you need, and at events the crowds are more lenient on women and easily impressed by our level of skill.

Howa: Who are your role models in the world of motorsport?

Asmodien: My biggest role model is James Dean from Ireland. In my opinion he's the world's top competitive drifter, yet so humble. I was privileged to spend time with him and get to know him when he came to Cape Town about two years ago to take part in Revlife, a drifting event that my husband helped organise.

Then there's Mad Mike from New Zealand - his name says it all! He never fails to impress, with crazy stunts that the average sane driver wouldn't even dream about. And not forgetting the Japanese Drift Ninja, Diago Saito, who recently shocked the purists when he chopped up a Lamborghini to convert it into a drift machine. I'm not sure who's crazier, Mad Mike with his insane drifting quad rotary or Diago for what he did to his Lamborghini supercar!

Howa: Tell us a bit more about your car?

Asmodien: My drift car is a Toyota Supra Mk4 with a three-litre, straight-six 2JZ engine, rebuilt by World Focus with a Garret GT35R turbo and 1200cc injectors, fed by two high-flow Bosch fuel pumps, that drives through a BMW 330d gearbox.

The suspension's been upgraded with rose joints and BC coilovers, as well as a steering angle kit, and the car has carbon-fibre seats and a custom bodykit designed by my husband Noer, made by Xmodz Fibreworks and finished in camo Plasti-Dip by CVP.

Howa: Your profile says you also do stunt driving for movies and ads? Please tell me more about that. Where can we see your work?

Asmodien: I have done stunt driving for a few adverts. One of my highlights was for a Black Label TV advert, filmed at Killarney about five years ago.

Howa: People often say drifting is dangerous. How do you keep safe?

Asmodien: Drifting is dangerous if the driver is unskilled or reckless, or if the car isn't properly prepared. It should have built-in safety features such as a roll cage, harness and fire extinguisher, and you should always wear a fireproof race-suit, shoes and gloves, as well as your crash helmet.

Keep practicing; the more skilled you are, the better your reflex reactions or response to a given situation. It's also advisable to take part only in drifting events sanctioned by motorsport authorities and to practice only in a safe and legal environment.

Howa: What's your advice to other women who want to get involved in motorsport?

Asmodien: I've already been approached by a few ladies who are wanting to learn how to drift and my advice is always the same - GO FOR IT!!! We need more women in the sport. First get a rear wheel drive car - I'd recommend a Nissan S13, S14 or S15, depending on what your pocket allows - get decent drift suspension and then get a good drift teacher and practice, practice, practice!!!

Howa: What can people expect at DriftCity Cape Town?

Asmodien: I've done a lot of exhibition drifting, but DriftCity will be my debut as a competitor. It's a bit nerve-wracking as I've never been 'judged' before, but I'm just going to go out there, do my best, put on a good show and have fun.

You can expect a lot of hair-raising stunts, heart-stopping thrills, roaring engines, screeching tyres, rubber smoke and - of course! - sideways action.

IOL

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