Latest news with #JamesMcManaway
NZ Autocar
4 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Pukekohe Park will hold another final motorsport event next year
In a shock move, Pukekohe Park is holding a one-off 'final' motorsport event next year. It will host the D1NZ National Drifting Championship. A deal was negotiated with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing to use part of the circuit for a drift event on February 13-15, 2026. Pukekohe Park closed as a motor racing circuit in 2023 as the owners wanted to focus on thoroughbred racing activities. The one-off deal means drifting will be able to farewell Pukekohe Park for the last time. It will say goodbye to one of the world's quickest corners in drifting, with the fastest cars reaching speeds of up to 200km/h. The three-day event involves Pro Sport on Friday, Pro on Saturday, and a 'Champions Showcase' on Sunday. D1NZ executive James McManaway, told the Speed Cafe team: 'We're proud to have the opportunity to bring D1NZ back to where it all began. 'This venue helped shape the identity of drifting in New Zealand. Returning to Pukekohe Park for one final celebration – with Turn 1 as the centrepiece – is something truly special. 'We're grateful to the team at Pukekohe Park and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing for their support in making this farewell happen.' Auckland Thoroughbred Racing's CEO Paul Wilcox recognised the facility's cultural significance. 'While Pukekohe Park is now focused on thoroughbred racing, we recognise the cultural significance of this moment for the drifting community. 'We're supporting this one-off event on a commercial basis. It provides a chance for a respectful farewell to the motorsport drifting community at the venue.' Among the attractions will be live music, fan zones, and Monster Truck demonstrations. There will also be car displays, kids' activities, and a Sunday market. And there will be a memory wall celebrating the circuit's role in local drifting. Since motorsport activities ceased, the owners have looked at redeveloping the site for residential and commercial use.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
One Last Drift For D1NZ On World's Fastest Drift Corner At Pukekohe Park
Press Release – D1NZ National Drifting Championship Competitive drifting will return to its spiritual home one last time as D1NZ announces that Pukekohe Park will host Round 3 of the National Drifting Championship season early next year. Long-regarded as one of the most iconic venues in global drifting, Pukekohe Park's high-speed Turn 1 is considered the world's fastest competition drift corner. The February event will mark a final farewell, using a portion of the original 2.91km circuit to pay tribute to two decades of D1NZ history at the site. The three-day event will run from 13-15 February 2026 and feature a full weekend of championship action and fan entertainment. Friday sees Pro-Sport qualifying and elimination runs, followed by a Pro Championship competition on the Saturday where New Zealand's top drifters will battle for precious championship points. The weekend culminates in a special Champions showcase on Sunday. 'We're proud to have the opportunity to bring D1NZ back to where it all began,' says D1NZ executive James McManaway. 'This venue helped shape the identity of drifting in New Zealand. Returning to Pukekohe Park for one final celebration – with Turn 1 as the centrepiece – is something truly special. We're grateful to the team at Pukekohe Park and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing for their support in making this farewell happen.' Fans can also expect a full motorsport festival experience, including live music, fan zones, Monster Truck demonstrations, car displays, kids' activities, the Pukekohe Park Sunday Market, and a memory wall celebrating the venue's role in New Zealand drifting. Motorsport activity at the venue ceased in 2023; however, this drifting event was approved as a one-off exception, with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR), which now operates Pukekohe Park as a thoroughbred racing and training venue. 'While Pukekohe Park is now focused on thoroughbred racing, we recognise the cultural significance of this moment for the drifting community,' says ATR CEO Paul Wilcox. 'We're supporting this one-off event on a commercial basis; with the understanding it provides a chance for a respectful farewell to the motorsport drifting community at the venue.' The return to Pukekohe Park comes as ATR undertakes early-stage masterplanning to guide the venue's long-term future with the Club exploring opportunities to protect and grow its racing footprint, including the potential for a thoughtfully-designed residential offering on surrounding land. Tickets for D1NZ's February 2026 event at Pukekohe Park are on sale now via D1NZ's official channels. Capacity will be limited, and fans are encouraged to book early to be part of this milestone celebration of drifting in New Zealand.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
One Last Drift For D1NZ On World's Fastest Drift Corner At Pukekohe Park
Competitive drifting will return to its spiritual home one last time as D1NZ announces that Pukekohe Park will host Round 3 of the National Drifting Championship season early next year. Long-regarded as one of the most iconic venues in global drifting, Pukekohe Park's high-speed Turn 1 is considered the world's fastest competition drift corner. The February event will mark a final farewell, using a portion of the original 2.91km circuit to pay tribute to two decades of D1NZ history at the site. The three-day event will run from 13-15 February 2026 and feature a full weekend of championship action and fan entertainment. Friday sees Pro-Sport qualifying and elimination runs, followed by a Pro Championship competition on the Saturday where New Zealand's top drifters will battle for precious championship points. The weekend culminates in a special Champions showcase on Sunday. 'We're proud to have the opportunity to bring D1NZ back to where it all began,' says D1NZ executive James McManaway. 'This venue helped shape the identity of drifting in New Zealand. Returning to Pukekohe Park for one final celebration - with Turn 1 as the centrepiece - is something truly special. We're grateful to the team at Pukekohe Park and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing for their support in making this farewell happen.' Fans can also expect a full motorsport festival experience, including live music, fan zones, Monster Truck demonstrations, car displays, kids' activities, the Pukekohe Park Sunday Market, and a memory wall celebrating the venue's role in New Zealand drifting. Motorsport activity at the venue ceased in 2023; however, this drifting event was approved as a one-off exception, with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR), which now operates Pukekohe Park as a thoroughbred racing and training venue. 'While Pukekohe Park is now focused on thoroughbred racing, we recognise the cultural significance of this moment for the drifting community,' says ATR CEO Paul Wilcox. 'We're supporting this one-off event on a commercial basis; with the understanding it provides a chance for a respectful farewell to the motorsport drifting community at the venue.' The return to Pukekohe Park comes as ATR undertakes early-stage masterplanning to guide the venue's long-term future with the Club exploring opportunities to protect and grow its racing footprint, including the potential for a thoughtfully-designed residential offering on surrounding land. Tickets for D1NZ's February 2026 event at Pukekohe Park are on sale now via D1NZ's official channels. Capacity will be limited, and fans are encouraged to book early to be part of this milestone celebration of drifting in New Zealand.
