The D1NZ National Drifting Championship has confirmed its return to Gisborne to open the 2027 season, with a double header at Gisborne Drift Park from 15-17 January.
Pro drivers will contest two full rounds across the weekend, with Pro Sport also taking to the track for a single round, bringing top-level drifting back to Tairāwhiti for a big summer weekend.
“Having D1NZ open the National Championship here in Tairāwhiti is a real coup for the region,” says Trust Tairāwhiti Regional Destination Manager Joe Williams.
“It brings visitors, energy and national attention to Gisborne at the height of summer, and it gives our local communities a world-class event right on their doorstep. We’re proud to welcome the national championship back.”
Founded in 2003, D1NZ is New Zealand’s National Drifting Championship and one of the country’s longest-running professional motorsport series, with a global audience across broadcast and digital platforms.
Last year, D1NZ came to the region for the first time, bringing more than 50 drivers and attracting thousands of spectators to enjoy the event. These numbers are expected to grow next year.
“Gisborne delivered. When an event works that well the first time, you don’t walk away from it, you build on it,” says D1NZ event lead, Brendon White.
“Our partnership with Trust Tairāwhiti has also been a big part of it. They’ve had a taste of what backing us delivers, and that kind of regional support is what lets a national championship commit to a region.”
The Trust has supported the event with $50k from its Regional Events Fund, which backs events that bring people together and grow Tairāwhiti as a destination.
“Gisborne will set the tone for the whole championship, and we want to give the region an event to be proud of. Expect new cars, new liveries and drivers who’ve spent the off-season building for this moment,” says Brendon.
Tickets go on sale on 1 November at d1nz.com