A little while ago we received our invite for the Need for Speed: The Run launch. Apart from the date, time and venue, EA was keeping the details close to their heart, but we knew it was at Kyalami which made us excited about what they had in store for us.

A week later we received an indemnity form which disclosed we would be participating in drifting, and my excitement built even further because it’s got to be cool if it’s so dangerous that we have to sign an indemnity, right?

Pulling in to Kyalami you could feel the buzz in the air, our excitement heightened by the roaring engines around us. It was like we have been transported to the set of a Fast & Furious movie, except instead of Vin Diesel I had to make do with Wayne. The entrance was suitably kitted out with superbikes and glamorous girls, and after a quick registration process we headed to the nearest console.

We found a snug fitting racing seat with wheel and began to get reacquainted with Need for Speed: The Run. The combination of atmosphere and accessories provided the perfect environment to truly appreciate the game in. Little did we know that later we would need every ounce of experience we could squeeze in to stand the chance of winning an awesome prize.

All too soon it was time to hand over those indemnity forms from our sweaty hands and leave the safety of our videogame for the real thing. With no lack of bravado we ventured out to the constructed drifting arena to quench our Need for Speed! The roaring engines of the two 8 litre Chevrolet Lumina beasts greeted us. Behind the wheels were Jonathan Rudman and Jason Aryton Senna Webb. They gave a quick tandem demo of drifting with style and then swung the cars close to the fence ready for us passengers. With that it was time to jump in and hang on. What followed was an impressive display of driving skills as the two cars drifted around the demarcated area effortlessly, at times with only centimetres separating them.

My drifting experience saw me in the front seat, hair whipping wildly in my face and spray from the soaked tarmac flung up by the screeching tyres. It was an exhilarating ride and I am pretty sure I had a huge smile plastered across my face the whole time. It wasn’t until our second spin, when I sat in the back seat, that I truly experienced the fully effect of the forces caused by drifting. Such was my excitement that I even forgot that my drifting master behind the wheel does not have his licence yet.

Sadly all good things do come to an end and it was time to return inside for the next part of the event. Two full gaming rigs were setup face to face with bucket seats, steering wheels and Need for Speed: The Run on the Xbox 360 consoles. The challenge set for us was to complete one section of the race with the fastest time. The prize was a much sought after PlayStation 3 and steering wheel bundle. Competition was fierce with the more experienced drivers in the group clocking up sub two minute times. Top place was tied so there was an exciting neck-in-neck showdown with the victory going to Brian Murdoch.

Congratulations to EA for pulling off a top notch launch. Check back soon for our review of Need for Speed: The Run where we’ll discuss what we thought of this latest installment in the series.