'A real coup': D1NZ drifting returning to Gisborne in 2027

The nation’s best drift cars will return to Gisborne to open the 2027 D1NZ National Drifting Championship.

After racing in Gisborne for the first time this year, the championship’s Pro drivers will return to H BlackBee Drift Park at Dunstan Rd, Matawhero for two rounds in January, while Pro-Sport drivers will compete in one round.

The event, running from January 15 to 17, will be supported by $50,000 from Regional Tourism Organisation Trust Tairāwhiti’s regional event fund.

Trust Tairāwhiti regional destination manager Joe Williams said this year’s event had 3500 spectators, including 1200 visitors, who generated an economic impact of just over $1 million.

Hosting the event again was “a real coup for the region” and would set the tone for the championship, he said.

“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.”

The event would grow the visitor economy and support accommodation providers, hospitality and retailers, Williams said.

“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.”

Grit Motorsports said Gisborne had earned the opening weekend in the 2027 calendar after strong local support last year.

“Mid-January people are on holiday and looking for something to do. And it feels right to start the season in the first city in the world to see the sun. When we broadcast that weekend, the East Coast is the first thing viewers around the world see.”

With multiple competitions and new car builds, the competition would be fierce as “nobody wants to start the year on the back foot”.

Local Corby Wilson will be “hungry for a big result” in front of his home crowd.

Reigning Drift King Dave Steedman and his DSR teammate Adman Davies will be among the drivers to beat.

Taupō’s Connor Halligan will look to improve on his second-placed finish this year, while Australian Luke Fink will vie to reclaim his title.

For the first time, 17-year-old Taupō driver Riley McKeown will compete in the Pro category after finishing runner-up in Pro-Sport this season.

Beyond the season opener, Grit Motorsports is in discussions with local stakeholders about opportunities to grow the Gisborne drifting scene.

“The region has shown it can support drifting at championship level, and that opens doors. We’d like Tairāwhiti to stay part of the wider drift scene.”

The spokesperson said there was interest in expanding the scene through grassroots events, driver development and safe, controlled learning environments for young drivers.

Tickets go on sale on November 1 at d1nz.com.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.