‘Z Boss’ looks to be new Red Bull Drift King

This Saturday, drivers will show off their skills at the second Red Bull Car Park Drift.

The venue, like the first staging, will be the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, St James, and among those who will be looking to become the new 'Drift King', is Sheldon 'Z Boss' Johnson. He is one of the top four drivers from last year, who will compete with this year's qualifiers. Johnson told THE WEEKEND STAR that his goal this year is "simply to win and have fun".

Q: How would you describe your style and skill in drifting?

A: Three words to describe my drifting style are: smooth, accurate and neat.

Q: Describe last year's competition.

A: I'd say last year's competition was very good. The layout of the track was very good, the energy from the crowd was encouraging, and the competitors were very focused and showed a keen interest in the competition. All in all, it was a well-put-together event.

Q: How does it feel to return to the Red Bull Car Park Drift track for another year?

A: I feel so excited to be given the opportunity to be back to compete in this year's competition. I'm more focused and confident in both myself and my car.

Q: Share with us how your participation in last year's competition has shaped your mindset and approach to your performance this year.

A: My involvement in last year's competition has greatly aided in my preparation and has helped me to be more comfortable and confident in myself.

Q: What changes have you made in your preparation this time to enhance your chances of securing victory?

A: This time around I have gotten much more exposure to the sport, thus my confidence has developed. I have also put in a lot of "seat time", and I enhanced my car's ability, by transforming it into a purpose-built drift car. So I have made so many improvements and grown with my car, and we are ready to have fun on the drift track.

Q: What adjustments have you made to your training regimen or techniques to address any weaknesses or areas for improvement identified from your performance in last year's competition?

A: My shortcoming from last year was the lack of experience in the sport, so I have been practising more to improve my skills. I have been doing a lot of research, and in doing so, I have made a lot of adjustments to my car.

Q: How do you hope Red Bull Car Park Drift will develop the culture of motorsports in Jamaica?

A: I am hoping that coming out of the event both first and second runner-ups will also gain more exposure and opportunities as well. It is also my hope that this event will motivate our local government and the private sector to get more involved in the sport. Coming out of last year's event though, I have seen where more people have become interested in the sport because of the international opportunities that Red Bull Car Park Drift has to offer.