Sheldon "ZBoss" Johnson was the top drifter in another exciting round of Slippery Wen Wett, which took place on Sunday, April 16, at Falmouth cruise ship pier in Trelawny.
"It means a lot to me to win this event, because this month marks my one-year anniversary as a drifter. So I was really motivated to come and execute because I needed to come and make a mark," Johnson told the Jamaica Observer's weekly Auto magazine.
And execute Johnson did, putting in a flawless performance that not only got him the points total necessary for overall victory, but netting him some extra kudos from fans in the process with his smooth but high revving sideways driving style.
The St Elizabeth native stands out in the sport due to his parish of residence and his vehicular choice. It's no secret that drivers from Montego Bay and Mandeville tend to dominate the genre typically using vintage Toyotas. Johnson explained that his 2003 Nissan 350Z was not a random pick, but a result of his calculating persona.
"I do my research. Every event I attend I find something to improve on my car or, based off the other pro-drivers, I learn what they do to be more accurate by watching them, then use that to improve my skills. This is the result I'm reaping, so it's going good so far," said Johnson.
With the ongoing format at Slippery Wen Wett, perfection is key given the level of competition. Skill levels are so high that missing any of the obstacles is enough to make a shift in the finishing order. In the top four professional drivers it was Cleve "Cutta Hype" Ottey, Chris-John Addison, and Yohan Townsend taking the fight to him. Townsend finished fourth with 240 point, 10 points behind Addison. Ottey and Johnson delivered perfect rounds requiring the points from the previous round to be used as a tiebreaker. This proved to be the deciding factor; a small mistake from Ottey cost him 20 points, so it was Johnson 200, Ottey 280 at the end of the event.
In the Rookie Class Tajay Mair emerged the winner 10 points ahead of second-placed Richard Ryan.
"I feel pretty good about winning the Rookie Class, because my car was down for like a year, and today was my first time driving it out," said Mair.
He wasn't the only one happy to have overcome car issues to be able to compete, Ryan, who tasted the Rookie podium last year had a similar experience — thanking his sponsor SMC Shipping Services for getting a critical part for his Toyota Starlet to the island in time for him to take part.
Myles Addison, younger brother to Chris-John, and Brandon Wright completed the top four rookies.
"I'll like to thank my team and sponsors, Tyre Warehouse, Double7 energy drink, REVIV detergent, Boostane Jamaica, Amsoil, Vicbern, unique wheels, and Startec air conditioners, without them we couldn't hold this type of event which the spectators love. They and the drivers can't wait for the next leg," said event conceptualiser Kingsley Scott.
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