New Zealand’s premier drifting series is set to light up the Deep South as the D1NZ National Drifting Championship Series returns to Invercargill this November, bringing together the best from both sides of the Tasman for a weekend of historic firsts.
Led by Australian driver and reigning New Zealand Drift King Luke Fink, the 21–23 November 2025 event marks the first time D1NZ has staged both the Pro and Pro-Sport categories at the world’s southernmost FIA-recognised circuit, Teretonga Park.
The season will roar to life with a back-to-back double-header for the Pro and Pro-Sport categories that will crown the first winner of the new season.
In a first for the series, D1NZ has never brought both categories this far south. The venue’s location at the tip of the country and its proud motorsport history are amplified by Southlanders’ renowned passion for racing and entertainment. Fans can expect open paddock access to meet drivers, see the cars up close, and soak in a true festival vibe.
D1NZ Executive James McManaway says returning to Invercargill was a priority when building the new-season calendar.
“Teretonga has a special place in New Zealand motorsport, and the support from the Southland community has always been incredible,” said McManaway.
“As the most southern FIA-recognised drift venue in the world, it’s an iconic stage to kick off our season. The double-header format means there’s even more action for fans, and it’s the perfect way to set the tone for what’s going to be a massive year for D1NZ.”
Fink ready to defend his crown
For freshly crowned Drift King Luke Fink, the 2025–26 season represents both a challenge and an opportunity: to defend his title while tackling a circuit he’s never seen before.
“I’m feeling pretty good about the year and having the target on my back,” says D1NZ’s first international champion Luke Fink.
“James from JDM Racing’s been putting a lot of work into the car in the background. I feel like we’ve gone from a real heavy car to now a lighter, more nimble chassis. It’s going to feel amazing. I’ll be able to push a lot harder with everything I’m doing – so I’m pretty excited for that one.
“Teretonga Park is a new track for me, so as far as preparing, I’m going to wait until I get there and adapt to whatever’s in front of me, really. I prefer to make up my own mind when I get to a place on how I drive it, then adjust that to do what the judges want.
“My goal for the opening round is to get in there, build on the momentum from last year, and make it another successful season. I’d love to break some more records and be on that top step all season long – that would be the dream. Regardless, we’re going to have fun with all the D1NZ drivers and the fans that are coming out this year. I’m really excited for it.”
Home-track debut for La Rosa
Invercargill’s own Joshua La Rosa will make his first full D1NZ start in front of a home crowd — and on the same circuit where his motorsport journey began.
“It’s an unreal opportunity to debut at my home track,” says La Rosa. “For years I’ve been travelling all over the South Island for competitive drift events, which takes a lot of dedication, time and money. To have the opportunity to compete at my home track, which is just down the road from home, is amazing. I’m also excited to show Southland what this growing sport is all about — what more could a motor-head ask for!”
“It’s really cool to have New Zealand and our Australian neighbours’ top drifters coming all the way south! Even though it’s a long way to come, I’m sure it’ll be smiles all round once those tyres are smoking and gears are slapping.”
“The opening-round goal is just to have fun and get on some doors — and put on a show for the crowd. These guys and girls have sick cars and even better driving skills, so the plan is just to have a bit of fun. Hopefully I’ll surprise myself and pull something out of the hat, but I definitely won’t be upset either way — it’s all part of this cut-throat motorsport drifting game.”
“The local boys down here in Southland are all so supportive and helpful when it comes to drifting. Drift South has helped massively in pushing me to get up and play with the big guns, so a huge thanks to them. With a bit of luck, we can push this rapidly growing motorsport class into Southland to get out there more often. Chur!”
New Pro faces and Pro-Sport opportunities
Last season’s Pro-Sport champion , Deane Young, steps up to the Pro category for 2025–26, creating an open field and a new chance for emerging talent to claim the Pro-Sport crown.
“In all honesty, we are going in super fresh! We’ll be running a new car, new tyres and a new track for us,” says Young.
Currently, we’ve only tested three sets of tyres on the new car (the build is still being finished), so we’re hoping there are no gremlins when we arrive in Invercargill.
“The track looks super-fast and flowing — I feel like commitment is key to getting the car through the section. I’m still learning to drive on semi-slick tyres, so it should be an interesting weekend.
“We’re hoping for a Top 10 finish — that would be awesome. Top 8 I’d be happy as; Top 4 I’ll be over the moon!”
Among those ready to seize the moment is newcomer Zsalea Mair, contesting her first full D1NZ season in a Toyota-powered Nissan C33 Laurel.
“I’m super excited about heading down to Invercargill as it’s the furthest place I’ve drifted,” says Mair. “But what I’m most excited about is it’s a completely new track for me, a whole different crowd, and a chance to drive with people I’ve never driven with before.
“Heading to a new track is always full of surprises, so I’ve done my best to prepare by looking at the layout and testing it out on the sim.
“Last season was big for me as I started to get more comfortable with the drifting community, and this year I’m looking to take it up another level. The goal is to come out stronger, throw down harder battles, and keep giving fans something to get excited about. They’re a massive part of what drives us, so if I can keep that energy going, I’ll be stoked.
“It would be great to kick the season off strong down at Teretonga. Starting the season with a big result would set the tone for the whole year and give me even more motivation to keep pushing. Everyone’s been working hard in the off-season, so to come out strong at a track that’s new for me would be unreal.”
Along with back-to-back drift battles, the weekend includes a Lions Club charity track cruise on Friday evening, VIP hospitality, Hard park car display and for the hard-core fans, Saturday’s Riverside Speedway feature event of stockcar, saloon and sprint car racing.
Header Image: Whippy Photography
