DETROIT – The people behind Detroit’s “drifting” scene, where drivers do donuts in front of a crowd, are explaining a new video in which fire is added to the equation.
In the video, skid marks are ignited as a driver does a figure eight. The people involved said it was meant as a tribute to a lost friend -- but it’s still illegal.
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Flames covered the road at the intersection of Livernois and Warren on Sunday night. Traffic came to a stand-still on all sides.
A man with a gas keg even runs around re-igniting the blaze.
The group responsible is usually known for shutting down traffic to do donuts, but this was different. Tee’s Garage shop owner, Tommie Mahone, said it was all done to pay tribute to someone killed by gun violence.
“His name was Mannie. He had a G8. He was a young guy. We lost him due to gun violence,” Mahone said.
READ: Could a legal place to do donuts curb dangerous stunts on Detroit roads? Drivers think so
Mahone had absolutely nothing to do with the actions of this particular group.
“I wasn’t there that night, but I know that’s why they did it,” Mahone said. “In representing and celebrating his life. That’s what the young people do. They pour gasoline in the figure 8 and set it on fire. He was a real pinnacle figure in the car scene. Rest in Peace Mannie.”
He’s familiar with the Sunday Funday community and the drivers who drift their cars every Sunday.
Police are not happy. They said it is very illegal and will enforce accordingly.