Stacey-Lee May is Defying The Odds | Unlabelled x Lure

Unlabelled and Lure first profiled 23-year-old spinner Stacey-Lee May in February 2017, at a time when she and her family were facing challenges in funding her spinning career. Since then, she has secured endorsements with several sports brands, appeared in adverts and music videos, and has a television show on the horizon.

May was introduced to spinning through her father, who hoped it would help boost her self-esteem. His plan worked. Reflecting on how her confidence has evolved, she explains: “When I was in school, and even before I started spinning, I was afraid of speaking in front of people, especially large crowds. Since I’ve been spinning, I’m now able to raise my voice and share my story with people all across the world. I do motivational speeches for kids at schools, and I think that shows how much my self-esteem has grown because I’m more confident. I’m no longer afraid to speak up for myself.”

Spinning is a South African motorsport rooted in township culture, where drivers push cars to their limits in tight circles while executing choreographed stunts, both inside and outside the vehicle. Emerging in Soweto in the late 1980s, the practice began as part of funeral rituals, where cars were spun as a gesture of respect and honour for the deceased. Over time, spinning has evolved into a formalised and widely recognised motorsport.

Detailing her growth over the years, May adds: “Right now, I’m not afraid of any challenges that come my way. As a spinner, I’ve grown to love the sport even more than before because every day I’m learning new tricks. I’m confident in saying that, as a spinner and stunt driver, I can do anything.”

Although Stacey is experiencing growing success through spinning and drifting, she understands the value of education. She is currently pursuing a law degree and shares that her family believes there is a time for everything. “When it’s time for my examinations, we don’t focus on spinning. We believe that education is key - when all else fails you, you will always have your education.”

As a woman in a male-dominated sport, Stacey-Lee May challenges convention, proving that spinning is defined not by gender, but by discipline, fearlessness, and mastery.

Writing:

Phendu Kuta

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