• Samantha O'Connor has taken up drifting in a male-dominated sport.

• She is the girlfriend to Juan Stemmet, one of SA's best drifters.

• O'Connor grew up with petrol in her veins.

• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za

Wheels24 is particularly fond of local motorsport, but we tend to get a kick and a little skip in our step when the females are the focal point. Case in point, Samantha O'Connor - who has taken up drifting in the Drift Outlaws series.

O'Connor is no stranger to cars and motorsport. Both her father and stepfather have an avid affinity for engines and anything with four wheels, and it is a love that rubbed off on her. And to top it, her boyfriend, Juan Stemmet, is a petrol head, too.

Stemmet is one of the top drifters in Drift Outlaws and represented South Africa at the FIA Intercontinental Drift Cup in 2019. O'Connor joined him at the event in Japan but has been on the receiving end of Stemmer's learning and drifting tips.

While she is readying for her first participation in the series, O'Connor took to the track recently when Drift Outlaws had their first practice session post lockdown.

O'Connor looked smooth in her actions, and is showing great promise for her future debut.

Speaking on drifting, she says: "You feel a lot of pressure because everyone is like 'Ooh, girls can't drive'. But it's a lot of fun as well, especially when you get it right."

Compiled by: Charlen Raymond