Gold Coast teen wins dream Subaru Giveaway
Gold Coast teen Zee wins a $30k Subaru WRX but must finish a defensive driving course first.
What’s Happening?
A Gold Coast student has won a Subaru WRX through a national giveaway run by Australian tyre retailer Ozzy Tyres.
Zabdiel “Zee” Belachew found out he had won while he was on a bus during a school excursion.
Before he gets behind the wheel, his father Abdul has set one clear rule. Zee must complete a defensive driving course first.
The WRX will also be kept as a weekend car. Zee already drives his own ute to school.
Why It Matters?
The win is a major moment for Zee and his family, but it also puts young driver safety in focus.
Zee said he almost missed the moment his name was called.
“I was watching the live stream and turned it off because I didn’t think I was going to win,” Zee says. “Then I got a phone call. I told everyone on the bus to be quiet while I answered. When I picked up, they told me I’d won the WRX. I was shocked. I kept messaging them afterwards trying to confirm it was legit.”
His parents were also unsure at first.
“They thought it might have been a scam, or I’d won tyres rather than the actual car. But when I showed them the video of the live stream with my name being called, they believed me.”
For Abdul, the excitement came with a parent’s instinct to protect.
“This is an incredible win - Zee is absolutely over the moon,” Abdul says. “But before he gets behind the wheel of the WRX, he’ll be completing a defensive driving course. It’s a powerful car, and he’s only 17, so I want to make sure he’s properly prepared.”
Local Impact
The Gold Coast win has given Zee a dream car moment, while also keeping safe driving front and centre.
Abdul said his concern was not Zee’s attitude, but the driving environment around him.
“Zee is a responsible young man - my concern isn’t him, it’s the environment around him and other drivers who may try to engage him,” Abdul says. “This is something special for him to enjoy responsibly.”
Zee said his parents would be the first people he would take for a drive.
“My parents. I’m genuinely grateful for everything they’ve done for me, so it only feels right that they’re the first.”
After that, he hopes to take the WRX into the Gold Coast hinterland.
“I want to take it up to Tamborine Mountain - just a long drive to enjoy the car, take in the views and see how it handles through the turns. Windows down, hear the turbo spool.”
By The Numbers
Zee is 17 years old, which is why his father wants a defensive driving course completed before he drives the WRX.
The Subaru WRX prize is worth $30,000, according to the giveaway details.
The Ozzy Tyres giveaway attracted more than 1.3 million views across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
The national campaign received 20,000 entries, a result Ozzy Tyres said exceeded expectations.
Ozzy Tyres has 20 franchise locations across Australia.
Zoom In
Zee entered the giveaway after seeing an Instagram reel.
“When I uploaded it to my Instagram story to enter, my friends were messaging me saying there’s no chance I was going to win it.”
His mates are now excited for him.
“They are really excited for me. They knew how much I wanted the car, and straight away they were all asking me to go for a drive.”
For Abdul, the WRX also brings back memories of his own car days.
“I used to own a Supra, so it brings back some great memories. Seeing your son this happy is something special, especially knowing it’s a Japanese performance car.”
Zoom Out
Ozzy Tyres founder Hussein Chahine said the response showed how strong car culture remains in Australia.
“We didn’t expect 20,000 entries, but honestly, it makes sense. Car culture in Australia is massive and people love the idea of winning something that actually means something. A WRX isn’t just a car. For a 17-year-old kid, it’s everything.”
Ozzy Tyres is an Australian tyre and wheel retailer. It also manufactures Monsta Tyres and Hussla Wheels.
What To Look For Next?
Zee is expected to complete a defensive driving course before driving the WRX.
The car will then be enjoyed as a weekend vehicle, with his parents likely to join him for the first drive.
Ozzy Tyres is also planning another giveaway after the strong response to this campaign.
“Reading those messages - people sharing their struggles, why this car would mean the world to them based on their past - that’s what made giving it away so rewarding. We are known as ‘The People’s Brand’. We’re at the same level as the masses, not above them. We understand the people and their daily struggles. We want to bring some joy. That’s why we’ll keep doing this.”