Cleve ‘Cutta Hype’ Ottey to represent Jamaica at World Final of Red Bull Car Park Drift
KINGSTON, Jamaica— Jamaica’s Cleve ‘Cutta Hype’ Ottey will represent the island in the World Final of the Red Bull Car Park Drift (CPD) which is being hosted by the Sultanate of Oman at the Muscat Drift Arena on December 6.
Ottey, who claimed the title of Jamaica’s ‘Drift King’ in 2023, will be one of 28 drifters from 17 countries at the final. He is the second Jamaican champion to represent on the world stage.
At the 2023 local staging of Red Bull Car Park Drift, Ottey competed against 28 local drifters on a nine-obstacle course set by Motorsports champion from Lebanon, three-time Rally Champion and Guinness world record holder for the longest drift, Abdo Feghali. Obstacles included Box runs, Pendulums and Spirals. Points were lost if contestants spun the car, hit obstacles or drifted in the wrong direction. In the three respective rounds, Ottey scored 269, 278 and 270 consecutively (out of the maximum 300 points) to come out on top as Jamaica’s champion.
“Last year’s win was a huge moment for me, but it was just the beginning. The journey to the world stage has been intense, and I’m so excited to finally represent Jamaica on a global platform. I’m determined to bring the same energy and skill that won me the Drift King title to Oman. I’m ready to give it my all, make my country proud and put Jamaica on the map for our drifting talent!” said Ottey.
The World Final in Oman is set to up the ante with Ottey expected to face off with regional stars and Red Bull athletes such as Ahmad Daham (UAE), Ali Makseed (Kuwait), and Haitham Al Hadidi (Oman), who will have their sights set on victory, as well as the last World Final winner, Hisham Al Khatib (Egypt).
A key part to the global success of the Red Bull Car Park Drift has been the leadership of Abdo Feghali. The Red Bull athlete will be the lead drifter for the Oman event giving guidance to the competitors and greeting fans.
“This is the time of year when some of the world’s best drifters come together in one place, and this year is particularly special given the Sultanate of Oman’s passion for the sport. We’re thrilled to be back with the highest number of participants ever — 28 incredible drifters competing at the Oman Automobile Association in Muscat,” said Feghali.
He added: “The track I’ve designed this year is one of the fastest and most challenging layouts in CPD history, promising intense action and unforgettable moments. The Sultanate of Oman holds a special place in CPD’s legacy, with Omani drifters dominating the podium back in 2016, taking first, second, and third place. The competitors know they’ll be up against fierce local talent this year, and I’m confident the fans, media, and everyone attending will witness an electrifying event. I can’t wait to see who will be crowned the CPD World Champion in Oman very soon.”
Jamaica is still the first and only Western country to host the competition. Ottey will be representing the region at this year’s final, alongside participants hailing from countries such as Georgia, South Africa, Estonia, Bulgaria, Mauritius, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq.
The event will be live-streamed on December 6 at 8:45 am (Jamaican time) via Red Bull Motorsports YouTube channel, and Facebook livestream; and Red Bull TV.
