Jean 'Panjaro' Kruger takes emotional win Red Bull Shay iMoto

Red Bull Shay iMoto 2025 winner Jean "Panjaro" Kruger said winning in Durban was special because he got to use his brother Austin's car - which he had previously competed with. 

The North West spinner came to Durban to reinstate his family's honour and name in the sport at the highest level and take the bragging rights back home. 

Over 4,000 people witnessed the smoke filled spectacle as drivers were judged based on vehicle control, style, showmanship, and crowd impact. Spinning is the only motorsport in the country were the crowd is part of the system and not just spectators. 

Representing the KwaZulu-Natal contingent, Sphe Ndlovu and Nevelan Naidoo did their best to keep up with the country's elite, including Samkeliso "Sam Sam" Thubane in his new E30 BMW.

Teenage Bloemfontein Spinner Robin Fortuin was also part of the line-up but was eliminated "and still made it look sexy". 

 Panjaro on the other hand has been working his way around South Africa and making a name for himself as one of the new "top dawgs" in town. Driving his brother's BMW E30, with the German coloured decals striped along the body, Kruger said the victory was a special moment for him. 

The road to the final took a bit of finesse and strategy, according to Kruger, who saved his ammo for the semi-final and final round.

"In the quarters, I did some stunts but I didn't take out everything because I knew the semi final was going to be a bit more tough. That's why in the semi-final I took a dangerous risk coming out under the car, jumping on top of the roof and going crazy," Kruger told the media after the win.

"I am very excited to have won this year's Red Bull Shay'iMoto title. I've watched my brother Austin Kruger battle it out before, and tonight I used his car to compete, which makes this victory even more special," Kruger said. 

During the announcing ceremony, Jean immediately ran into his brothers arms after his name was announced. 

The gathered congratulations from all over the local motorsport industry, including the leading master of ceremonies in Africa - Victor Pardal. 

"Congratulations and Well Deserved Jean Panjaro your new Red Bull Shay'imoto 2025 Champion!" Pardal wrote on his social media.