Sponsored by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, in association with Nkosi N Projects and Integrated Concepts, Light the Fire brings biking clubs and motor enthusiasts from all corners to the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, in celebration of all things biking, while showcasing all that the South Coast has to offer.

Although the weather didn’t come to the party on day one of the fun-filled event, conditions improved on the Sunday with crowds flocking to the Dezzi Raceway to enjoy some of the country’s best biking performances.

“Unfortunately we can’t control the weather and the rainy conditions did prove somewhat challenging for both performers and spectators on Saturday, but the high calibre of bikers and drivers meant that the stunts were just that much more extreme,” said event organiser, Sinethemba Dhlomo of Integrated Concepts. “However, numbers definitely picked up on Sunday and the vibe was just incredible with families coming out to enjoy some of the amazing shows on display.”

She said one of the highlights was the car vs bike time trials where top-of-the-line cars and motorbikes battled it out for the top spot, which was taken by the Yamaha R1 – driven by Steve van der Merwe – in a time of 1:48:03. A second Yamaha R1 followed with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS coming in third, fourth place went to the Backdraft Racing Cobra, fifth to the 450 Motard and sixth to the Ferrari 458.

Spectators were also captivated by the death-defying stunts performed by Brian Capper - 10 times Supermoto Champion and South Africa’s most diverse biker. Some stunts included ramping over brave audience volunteers and gravity-flouting flips and turns in mid-air.

Another South African biking legend, Alfred ‘King Donut’ Matamela – owner of the Soweto Motorbike School and Yamaha Ambassador – kept the crowds entertained with his donut stunts while the renowned ‘Biker Queen’, Seipei Mashugane, met with fans and interviewed the performers.

The two-day motoring extravaganza also had a number of exhibitions by custom bike and cars spinning and stunt area, drifting and advanced riding demonstrations as well as live music all staged at the scenic Dezzi Raceway, Marburg in Port Shepstone.

Attendees looking for a luxury experience got to visit the VIP precinct, offering upmarket hospitality with a cigar and whiskey lounge, champagne and sushi bar as well as spa massages.

“What comes across at all biking festivals is the incredible charity-orientated spirit of all bikers,” said Dhlomo. “Light the Fire was no different with the bikers raising an impressive R23 600 in a matter of hours for the Gamalakhe Community Development Foundation.”

Chosen for its community uplifttment through education, skills’ development, job creation and recreational opportunities offered, the local non-profit organisation will benefit greatly from this generous contribution which will go towards its many ongoing projects.

“We will continue to keep up our good relationship with Gamalakhe Foundation so we can continue to see where we can help,” she explained.

“We really look forward to hosting this event again next year because it provides a great opportunity for biking enthusiasts to get together in a fun, family environment in one of the country’s most scenic race venues.”

For more information connect with Light the Fire on Facebook.