Organisers of the Valvoline D1NZ National Drifting Championship have confirmed that the full six-round series is set to be broadcast live on television in Australia — a first for any New Zealand motorsport series.
Events will be broadcast live simultaneously on Sky Sports in New Zealand and Kayo Sports in Australia. Live telecasts over the ditch will also run on Foxtel’s Fox Sports, Foxtel Now, and Foxtel Go.
“In the 18 years that D1NZ has been running the series has always been on the front foot when it comes to broadcast coverage,” says D1NZ Category Manager Brendon White.
“Thanks to this new deal we’re taking the sport to another level, being the first motorsport series in New Zealand to be live simulcast throughout Australia for the entire series.
“By being part of the Foxtel family in Australia it’s undoubtedly going to be the best showcase of domestic motor racing in decades.
“It’s a true testament to the dedication of our fans, competitors, sponsors and volunteers to get the sport to where it is today. We are proud we have a stellar broadcasting fronting team lined up, including two-time NZ champion Cole Armstrong moving into a technical presenter role.”
“The Foxtel Group is the established home of motorsport in Australia with motorsport audiences going from strength to strength in 2020,” added Foxtel Group Director of Acquisitions and Sports Partnerships Rebecca McCloy.
“We are delighted to lock in this partnership with the D1NZ Drifting Championship, and we are looking forward to bringing fans all the first round action later this month.”
Qualifying will be presented as highlights, with the top 32 battles and beyond detailed in real-time. Full highlights will also be shown on Fox Sports, as well as the Kayo app.
The move to broadcast in Australia sees D1NZ reach a larger overseas audience and could present more sponsorship opportunities for competitors. White also notes that the move will help improve production quality of the telecast — namely in the way the judging process is presented and other to-be-announced innovations.
Round one of the 2021 D1NZ series kicks off on January 22–23 at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. Australian viewers can follow the action live on January 23 on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports from 2.00pm AEDT.
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)