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February will see the D1NZ competitive Drifting Competition come to Pukekohe for the final time.
This is due to the decision of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (which owns Pukekohe Park) to step away from motor sport and focus on thoroughbred racing.
Pukekohe Raceway was opened in 1963 as a permanent track, replacing Ardmore Aedrorome as the host circuit of the New Zealand Grand Prix. The car raceway was designed around the horse racing track that has been hosting thoroughbred races since 1920.
The New Zealand Grand Prix was held at Pukekohe Park Raceway on 29 occasions, the first being in 1963, and the last in 2000.
The D1NZ has been an event for both beginners and seasoned veterans and has been seen as the country’s top drifting championship.
The Pukekohe track includes what some dubbed the world’s fastest drift corner.
The corner was considered incredibly high-risk, requiring drivers to approach at incredible speeds, sometimes going as fast as 200 kilometres an hour. This and the skill needed to drift meant that drivers needed expert control over their car, requiring them to hold their nerve to complete the turn.
The event runs at Pukekohe Park from February 13 to 15, with gates opening at 11am.
The draft programme schedules practice and qualifying sessions for pro and pro-sport classes, and pro-sport top 32 battles on Friday, February 13, followed by pro-sport top 16 battles, pro-championship, car shows, live music and entertainment on Saturday, February 14.
The event wraps up with Drift GP on Sunday, February 15.
