MAHIKENG – Celebrations continue in Mahikeng as local spinning sensation Jean “Panjaro” Kruger has officially cemented his dominance on the national stage, successfully defending his title at the 2026 Red Bull Shay’ iMoto championship.

Following his breakthrough victory in 2025, Panjaro returned to Durban’s Golden Mile on 18 April 2026 with confidence and composure, facing off against some of the country’s top spinning talent. In a high-energy final held at Suncoast Casino, he defeated debut finalist King Tyler in front of a sold-out crowd to claim back-to-back titles.

The road to victory was anything but easy. Starting in a competitive field of 16 drivers, Panjaro advanced through the qualifiers into the top eight alongside fellow Mahikeng driver and brother, Austin “King Kruger” Kruger. However, a dramatic moment in the knockout rounds saw King Kruger eliminated after his car caught fire—an incident that added emotional weight to Panjaro’s journey.

Drawing motivation from the setback, Panjaro delivered a series of standout performances in the semi-finals and final. His winning run included a daring and crowd-stopping stunt—dubbed the “suicide slide on the bonnet”—which showcased both his creativity and control, leaving spectators and judges in awe.

“It is an honour and a great feeling to win this year’s title,” Panjaro said after his victory. “When my brother got eliminated, he told me to bring it home once again—and that is what I did.”

The annual Red Bull Shay’ iMoto competition is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s premier spinning events, testing drivers on technical skill, showmanship, and innovation. Judges score competitors on vehicle control, style, and creativity as they navigate complex obstacle courses and deliver high-risk stunts.

Panjaro’s consecutive wins not only mark a personal achievement but also highlight Mahikeng’s growing reputation as a hub for spinning excellence. His journey from local streets to national champion continues to inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts across the North West province and beyond.

As the dust settles on another thrilling edition of the competition, one thing is clear—Panjaro is no longer just a rising star; he is now firmly established as one of the country’s elite spinning champions.

-The VIP Team

-Redbull.com