Co-creators of the newly established H Blackbee Drift Park, Boss Blackbee and local drifting champion Wereta Kake, will soon see their long-held vision realised as the D1NZ National Drifting Championship comes to Tairāwhiti for the first time.
From 21 to 22 March, the premier championship motorsport series will take over the purpose-built drift park on Dunstan Road, with more than 50 drivers and thousands of spectators expected.
“We need to support those who are growing our sport in New Zealand. Bringing the series to Tairāwhiti broadens our footprint, including our fans, sponsors and teams,” says D1NZ event director Brendon White.
Wereta and Boss have worked hard to grow drifting in the region by creating a purpose-built drift park in Tairāwhiti and introducing local track days to educate, inspire and give people the opportunity to try drifting out.
“When we saw what Wereta and Boss were doing, it emphasised that a strong national series comes from a strong region. That’s what makes Tairāwhiti the right place to add to the calendar this season,” says Brendon.
Local talent will feature strongly across the event. Wereta will contest the Pro Championship, with Shaun Potroz and Corbyn Wilson also competing across the weekend. Boss will also take to the track.
“For me, it’s a long way to travel to compete, so having a national event here is really special. It also gives people in Tairāwhiti the chance to experience drifting up close and see what the sport is all about,” says Wereta.
Strong support from local businesses and the community has helped make the championship possible.
“From local businesses to volunteers and partners like Trust Tairāwhiti, there has been a real willingness to get behind the event and make it happen,” says Brendon.
With live coverage on Sky Sport and Fox Sports Australia, the championship will showcase Tairāwhiti to a national and international audience.
The Trust contributed $65k in funding from its Regional Events Fund to help bring the championship to Tairāwhiti.