Organisers of the Valvoline D1NZ National Drifting Championship have confirmed full calendar details for 2021, plus the renewal of a broadcasting deal with Sky Sports. The six-round series will be beamed out live across Sky Sport, Sky Go, and Sky Sport Now.
The series will kick off on January 22–23 at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, before heading to Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon for round two on February 20–21. Rounds three and four will both take place at Mike Pero Motorsport Park in Christchurch, on March 26–27.
The category will then crown its champion with rounds five and six; the first held at Pukekohe Park on April 16–17, and the grand finale held at Tauranga’s Trustpower Baypark on April 30–May 1. The series closer will double as a night event, and will take place on a speedway-style custom course designed for multiple uses by drifters during the off-season. Ticket sales open in two weeks time.
“The move to the Bay of Plenty is a big one for us. We know there is a big core of motorsport fans in the region and we’re excited to bring the event down country and encourage other New Zealanders to head there and support local tourism,” says D1NZ series organiser Brendon White.
The Pro-Sport feeder series will also return for 2021, taking place on the opening day of the Mount Smart, Manfeild, Pukekohe and Tauranga events for a four-round calendar.
“Motorsport is super important to Kiwis and we’ve always had the best of the best on the grid. The 2020 D1NZ series was really popular, even with all the disruption the crew had to face,” says Tex Teixeira, Sky Chief Content Officer.
“We’re looking forward to a successful series taking place around Aotearoa in 2021 with all the action, squealing tyres and incredible skills we’ve come to enjoy.”
2021 Valvoline D1NZ National Drifting Championship calendar
Round 1: Auckland, Mt Smart Stadium, January 22–23 (Pro Series/Pro-Sport Series)
Round 2: Feilding, Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon, February 20–21 (Pro Series/Pro-Sport Series)
Round 3: Christchurch, Mike Pero Motorsport Park, March 26 (Pro Series)
Round 4: Christchurch, Mike Pero Motorsport Park, March 27 (Pro Series)
Round 5: Auckland, Pukekohe Raceway, April 26–27 (Pro Series/Pro-Sport Series)
Round 6: Tauranga, Trustpower Baypark, April 30–May 1 (Pro Series/Pro-Sport Series)