By Michael Uugwanga
Car spinning is often viewed as dangerous due to the risks involved, including the potential for serious injury or loss of life. Yet, it is also recognised as a motorsport, much like any other sporting code.
In Namibia, spinning remains largely male-dominated, as it is in many parts of the world. However, a growing number of women are entering the scene and even making a living from the sport. In developing countries, spinning is often pursued more for passion and entertainment than as a professional career.
One such trailblazer is 23-year- old Deidre Diergaardt, who has taken Namibia’s spinning scene by storm. Although she has recently put her spinning career on hold, she is actively searching for a new vehicle to elevate her performance. Spinning is a motorsport that involves driving cars at high speed in tight circles while per- forming controlled stunts, sometimes both inside and outside the vehicle.
“I started spinning at the age of 20 in 2023. I was introduced to it by my brothers, including my twin, who are involved in spinning, drifting and drag racing. My father also competed in drag racing. I temporarily stopped in December 2024 to upgrade to a better spin car. I definitely plan on returning, bigger and better,” said Diergaardt.
Her passion for motorsport runs deep. With her father’s back- ground in drag racing, including a discipline where two drivers race head-to-head to cross the finish line first, Diergaardt says the love for speed is in her blood. “Spinning is an adrenaline-filled experience. I have always loved fast and loud cars, and I have been passionate about them from a young age. It is part of who I am. Our family team, ‘Woeps Racing’, carries my father’s legacy from his drag racing days,” she added.
Diergaardt added that one of the biggest challenges she faced was mechanical reliability, particularly with an older engine.
“I experienced issues like bearing knock due to wear over time, which made it difficult to maintain performance.”
Despite the setback, Diergaardt remains determined to return to the spinning arena stronger than ever.
