2025 D1NZ Drifting Championship Dates Announced
The 2025 Calendar for the Repco D1NZ New Zealand Drifting Championship has been announced:
Starting with a Bang at Taupo International Motorsport Park
Repco D1NZ is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated dates for the 2025 Championship season, promising an explosive start with a doubleheader at
Taupo International Motorsport Park from January 31st to February 2nd, 2025. This season not only brings excitement to new heights but also introduces fresh local and international talent, as well as remarkable prizes.
Season Opener at Taupo – A Double Dose of Drifting: The season kicks off with two back-to-back rounds at the scenic Taupo International Motorsport Park. The schedule is set as follows…
January 31st: Friday Practice & Qualifying
February 1st Saturday: Round 1
February 2nd Sunday: Round 2
Continuing the Thrill:
Round 3: Go Media Stadium, (Mt Smart) Auckland, March 7th – 8th:
Mt Smart Stadium transforms into a spectacular evening and night showcase, making it a fan favourite with its intimate and electrifying atmosphere. Limited capacity means tickets are always in high demand. Activities begin with practice and qualifying on Friday, escalating to full-throttle 'Door to Door battle' on Saturday night under the lights.
Round 4: Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon, April 11th – 12th:
Experience the intensity at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon, where the action is non-stop. Saturday packs the main event with both Pro and Pro-Sport classes powering through all the brackets in a single, adrenaline-pumping day following Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions.
Round 5: Mercury Baypark, Anzac Weekend, April 24th – 26th:
The season crescendos at Mercury Baypark Stadium, featuring new lighting enhancements to brighten the nighttime battles. This round is set to thrill with the participation of international drivers, adding global flair to the fierce competition. The weekend kicks off with the iconic Mount Cruise on Thursday followed by testing and qualifying on Friday, leading to dynamic battles on Saturday.
Each round this season is tailored to provide unique experiences, ensuring fans and participants alike are part of something truly special. With the addition of international drivers and new features at each event, with some big things to come on the broadcast announcements transpires the 2025 D1NZ season promises to be one of the most memorable yet.
An Update on Nelson:
Nelson remains a beloved part of the D1NZ family. While sadly it is not included in the 2025 circuit due to resource consent, extensive planning is underway to ensure its return to the 2025 -2026 opening round. We are committed to delivering an exceptional experience at Kohatu Park as soon as we are able and continue to work with the amazing venue to help them open the Drifting Park.
International Flair with Local and Global Talents:
This season, D1NZ is proud to announce the first internal driver for the 2025 season, Ben Odgers from Australia, who is set to bring his unique skills to the forefront of the competition, Ben has gone one step further with the business he owns with Benkei below.
Spectacular Championship Prizes – The Drift Japan Tours Pack: In an exciting new addition to the rewards for excellence in competition, D1NZ is proud to offer the Drift Japan Prize Pack to the winners of both the Pro and Pro-Sport categories.
This prize is a testament to the global opportunities that arise from D1NZ's evolving structure and the strong relationship forged with Drift Japan Tours.
Each winner will receive a fully paid trip to Japan, where they will have the opportunity to experience the heart of drifting culture firsthand. This includes exclusive access to premier drifting events, training sessions with renowned Japanese drift drivers, and tours of iconic automotive facilities. The prize also covers travel, accommodation, and unique cultural experiences, ensuring that the winners not only expand their professional horizons but also immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the birthplace of global Drifting.
It’s an exceptional opportunity for winners to showcase their skills on an international platform and gain invaluable insights into the techniques and precision that define Japanese drifting. Drift Japan offers tours for any scale of driver and you can check them out here:
With more huge announcements on the horizon, including additional international and local driver participation, and exciting event additions, the 2025 D1NZ season is shaping up to be the most thrilling yet. Stay tuned for more updates as each Thursday the series launches its Thursday Thunder segment and prepare for a season filled with high-octane action and unrivalled motorsport entertainment.
Tickets go on sale Sep 23rd.
