Biography

Name:  Adam Shefer

D.O.B:  13/10/1981

Birthplace:  Johannesburg

Sponsors:  Yokohama, TSR Wheels & ASM Drifting

My Moto:  All out-start to finish

My Motivation:  To be the best I can be and more importantly to have fun. 

 

Recent Career Highlights

•    2009 SADC Slidemaster Nationals (Round 2) – 1^st Place (June Event)
•    2009 NDS Drift Nationals (Round 2) – 1^st Place (July Event)
•    2009 SADC Slidemaster Nationals – 3^rd Place (December Annual Prize Giving)

 

Current Driver Standings ~ Year End – 2009

Club Championship Standings

1.  Otto Graven 33

2.  Adam Shefer 22

3.  Bruno Miranda 21

SADC Slide Masters Standings

1.  Rudi Van Den Berg  13

2.  David Nel  7       

3.  Adam Shefer  5

Rock Raceway: Driver Standings - Click Here 

The Introduction

I have been passionate about cars since around the time my folks started purchasing me those really cute, neon plastic kind, and what little dude didn’t have those things?  Gradually over the years it progressed to the kind that cost “real” money, I didn’t grow up around motorsports like alot of guys currently on the scene did, but there has and always will be a deep appreciation for any finely tuned machine.  That said, “Boys will be boys” and you are certainly never too old for some new “toys”. A few years back in 2001, audiences were introduced to the first Fast & Furious movie, nothing really stood out as we already had the illegal street racing subculture and some fairly impressive cars battling it out in-between irate Metro Cops and concerned road users. In 2006, Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift hit the big screens, I think alot of oak’s sat up in their seats and pondered the possibilites, I know that was the beginning, the turning point for me and I have not looked back since.  Shortly thereafter, I managed to get involved with a couple of guys based here in Gauteng that had already started drifting at Wesbank shortly before it closed down. 

Drift Instruction

My car wasn’t “drift” ready at the time, thanks to Florin Cozmuta and Charel Van Biljon I was able to attend a 2 day introduction to the sport.  Both guys have done really well since the beginning, Florin has been over to Romania a couple of times to compete in  International Drift events, and Charel landed a respectable sponsorship from Speed and Sound in his popular “Purple Turtle”.

Drift Techniques

All the drifting techniques are hard, I do not think you can perfect a technique, there is always room for improvement and there are always new techniques to learn.  Each driver has his own style and preference to their chosen technique(s)

First Drift Car

It’s my 200 SX s13, the same car I am currently sliding around the country with.  There is little need for two or three drift cars, unless you are “an accident waiting to happen” or think you have it but your far from it... The general idea is that as your drift skills develope, over time your cars setup will develope too.  Thankfully, I have not totaled my car yet so - thumbs up!

Favourite Drift Track

This undoubtedly is The Rock Raceway in Brakpan.  Us Gauteng drifters have been spoilt and allowed to share this drift playground with track owner and fellow drifter, Mr. Tim Stephens. The Rock’s oval has yet to disappoint with different track layouts, which keeps you on your A game.  A recently completed high-speed drift circuit was extended from the oval, and we should be tearing up the tar in the New Year. My second choice would be Aldo Scribante down in Port Elizabeth, it’s a high speed track and the layout is superb for drifting.

Worst Drift Track

If you thought I had one, I DON’T, every track is unique and special in it’s own way. Some allow for insane speeds and daunting initiations, while others push you to focus on a more tactical run.

Big Match Temperament & Spectators

I never really do anything specifically to help me with the following, everybody gets nervous and this is a good thing.  Once I get a few practice and qualifying runs out of the way, I feel pretty good and calm, from there onwards it’s concentration and drift.

Local Competition

In a relatively short space of time, the local talent has gotten damn competitive.  There is serious competition out on the track nowadays, no more monkey-ing around; this is full out, sideways symphony for a podium finish. There is a palpable “do-or-die” vibe going on.  Otto Graven from Kimberley was probably the toughest drifter I competed against in 2009, after a collision with Otto, I had my first drift fatality when I buried the SX’s front bumper.  Coincidentally, I buried my rear bumper in Kimberley over the Easter week-end Spin Off event hosted by Monster Mob Raceway that is owned by Otto himself. Hhmmm  As for 2010, I think that there is a fairly level playing field when you ackowledge guys like Wade, Bruno, Charel, Jonathan and Quinsley.  That said I am super stoked for the many challenges and Tsuiso battles that are on offer.

International Inspiration

There are so many talented drifters overseas it’s impossible to have a favourite.  Guys like Saito Daigo, Kawabata, Kumakubo and Tanner Foust would definately earn a “I am not worthy bow”, but I would also take my helmet off to the Top 16 D1 drivers.  Last year the NDS Drift Series flew out Team Oranges Manager from Japan to judge some of the local events.  It was an honour to be in the presence of Mr. Hiroke “Sleepy” Furuse, who took time out from judging to give us some constructive criticism and point us individually towards improvement.

ASM Drifting

ASM Drifting is a tuning shop amongst other things, that is currently specializing in anything DRIFT, from conception to completion, ASM will build you your dream Drift car from the ground up.  I am currently heading up the training side and offer tailor made drift lessons to suit the individual experience, aspiration & budget.  We also host a variety of shows which range from Drift Demo's to corporate events and even something for the kiddies.

Five Year Goal

I would like to be competing on an international level, oh and I am not fussy about where overseas, lol... and of course to have my own workshop facilities to build and prepare drift cars.

 

Article by Chad Luckhoff - Speed and Sound