2025 D1NZ TV Broadcast Team Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
D1NZ GOES LIVE TO TV & YOUTUBE
The 2025 D1NZ Championship: Unprecedented Global Broadcast, Expert Commentary, and a “Homecoming” for Warren Sare & Kenny Ruddell.
D1NZ is thrilled to confirm that the 2025 D1NZ Championship will return to screens worldwide with the most comprehensive coverage yet. For the first time ever, fans around the globe can access every moment live and free, as D1NZ partners with Oversteer TV to stream the entire season on YouTube Live.
Warren Sare’s Homecoming:
After two decades since he first picked up the mic for D1NZ, Warren Sare—known fondly as “Mr Grumpy Ninja” - returns to the commentary team. His undeniable passion, honesty, and extensive knowledge of the sport will reignite the broadcast, bringing fans closer than ever to the drivers, the action, and the drama unfolding on track.
Warren Sare Says:
“The opportunity to work with, and learn from broadcast anchor Stephen McIvor when he rejoins from Round 3 to help develop our next generation of commentators is a big part of what brought me back on board for 2025,” says Warren.
“The new D1NZ management team shared their vision for the season, with a real focus on drivers and fans, and that’s something I’m keen to add my experience to.”
“I’ve stayed involved with a few teams over the years and enjoy working with emerging drivers in particular. We have great talent in NZ that could go anywhere in the world.”
Warren’s long-standing involvement with major motorsport events—like World Time Attack/International Drift Cup, MSC Challenge, Mad Mike Summer Bash, 4 & Rotary North Island, Downtime Events, and NZ Performance Car—ensures viewers can look forward to forthright opinions, candid critiques, and an unfiltered perspective. Just don’t ask him to give out the promoters’ phone number on air again!
Expert Analysis from Oversteer TV’s Kenny Ruddell:
Joining Warren in the booth is D1NZ veteran and Oversteer TV producer Kenny Ruddell. With years of experience capturing the essence of New Zealand’s car culture and motorsport scene, Ruddell will provide technical analysis and host special appearances from the judging panel to quiz the three new judges for fans' understanding.
His insights, drawn from decades of involvement and his role leading NZ’s largest automotive YouTube platform, will help fans understand the finer points of scoring, strategy, and the skill required to dominate the track.
A New Era of Global Reach:
D1NZ is proud to confirm its long standing relationship with Foxtel Fox Sports which has experienced a 30% growth year on year since its partnership several years ago.
Alongside this Sky Sport NZ also returns to host the broadcast - Fans will be able to enjoy the action via the following channels:
Sky Sport (NZ) – Live broadcasts for domestic audiences
Fox Sport (International) – Bringing the thrill of D1NZ to viewers across Australia and beyond
TV3 CRC Motorsport – In-depth post-event highlights and feature segments to keep fans in the loop
Oversteer TV (YouTube Live) – Free, worldwide access to live coverage, enabling fans to watch, engage, and share the experience in real time, no matter where they are
The Series also has driven a strong focus with 4 Top Australian Drifters, Two top American Drifters and a Japanese drifter joining the series to bolster the live YouTube Audience - Stay tuned for more here..
On-Site & Behind-the-Scenes Access:
On the ground, celebrated broadcast anchor Stephen McIvor will guide audiences through the championship’s high-octane atmosphere when he returns to the Series at Round 3 having prior commitments for the R1/2 double header.
D1NZ’s long-standing ground manager Nick Hoyle and renowned drifter Ben Jenkins will bring fans into the pits, capturing reactions, interviews, and the raw energy of the drivers and crews.
The 2025 D1NZ Championship represents a turning point in global motorsport entertainment, blending cutting-edge coverage, trusted broadcast partners, and a reinvigorated commentary team. With an unwavering focus on drivers and fans, this season is set to be a defining chapter in New Zealand’s premier drifting series.
There's a raft of new Live shows to come between events and a HUGE announcement of line up for NZ’s biggest drifting festival at Baypark to follow.