The Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship will make New Zealand motor racing history for the second time this season, as the series undertakes another stadium based event in the space of three months.
Tauranga's ASB Baypark Stadium is set to be transformed into a drift circuit over February 24-25; in similar fashion to Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium in December of 2016.
It will be the first time a North Island stadium houses D1NZ – and only the second time in Southern Hemisphere history – following the Dunedin drift event.
The 17,000-plus capacity multi-purpose facility is usually home to speedway, rugby, sprint boats, and concerts.
However, 5000 square metres of concrete will be laid atop the grass infield to form a drift circuit.
D1NZ Category Manager, Brendon White says the move towards stadium based events will give fans the closest possible drifting experience.
With a global trend towards speedway and stadium based motorsport events, the series is looking to take D1NZ to the masses.
"This is another New Zealand first, and to grow the sport with our long term plans made more sense to make the move this year than the following season.
"The existing infrastructure at Baypark means the costs associated with converting a blank canvas, like the car park or Forsyth Barr Stadium, are not present. So we can focus 100 per cent on making an amazing show for fans, sponsors, and driver that this track layout will offer
"Some will walk away broken but one things for sure it will offer some of the best drifting ever witnessed in the country."
Round one winner at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium, Cole Armstrong, says the opportunity to compete inside the stadium of his hometown is one he'll be looking forward to.
"For D1NZ to place a track in our home town in Baypark Stadium here is so awesome.
"We've had it three years here, and to step it up, and to create something awesome like Nitro Circus—It's next level!"
Fellow Tauranga drifter Dave Steedman says he's excited to bring the action inside the stadium, especially given his recent form in the series.
"Tauranga is such a motorsport enthusiast capital.
"It's going to be fantastic to have D1NZ inside the stadium. All of the fans are going to come out and just fill these seats.
"I'm feeling really good after round two, I had really good seat time, got used to the car, and came away with the win. I'm super pumped to come back to Baypark and try and get on that podium again."
In years past, the car park adjacent to Baypark Stadium was used at the drift circuit. The area will again be utilised in February, forming a car show, trade area, beer gardens, and action sport arena. With a big screen tv setup outside, no one will miss a second of the action from inside the stadium.
Bay Venues Chief Executive Officer, Gary Dawson says adding drifting to the multi-purpose facility adds just another element to the mix of sports held in the stadium.
"This stadium has been purpose built for speed events, not only speedway.
"As we've demonstrated already we've had jetsprints, Nitro Circus, we've had rallycross, and now to get drifting it really just enhances its reputation as an adrenaline speed venue in the Southern Hemisphere.
The third round of the Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship takes place over February 24-25, with tickets available on the gate or through iTicket.co.nz.
2016–'17 Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship calendar:
Round 1: Dunedin – Forsyth Barr Stadium – 2-3 December 2016 (Night Event) Round 2: Feilding – Manfeild Raceway – 6-7 January 2017 Round 3: Tauranga – ASB Baypark Stadium – 24-25 February 2017 (Night Event) Round 4: North Waikato – Hampton Downs Motorsport Park – 25-26 March 2017 Round 5: Auckland – Pukekohe Park Raceway – 23-24 April 2017 – Grand Final Round 6: Auckland – Mt Smart Stadium – TBC May 2017 – Teams Champs (Night Event)
Source: www.bing.com
