Competitive drifting will return to its spiritual home one last time as D1NZ announces that Pukekohe Park will host Round 3 of the National Drifting Championship season early next year.
Long-regarded as one of the most iconic venues in global drifting, Pukekohe Park’s high-speed Turn 1 is considered the world’s fastest competition drift corner.
The February event will mark a final farewell, using a portion of the original 2.91km circuit to pay tribute to two decades of D1NZ history at the site.
The three-day event will run from 13-15 February 2026 and feature a full weekend of championship action and fan entertainment. Friday sees Pro-Sport qualifying and elimination runs, followed by a Pro Championship competition on the Saturday, where New Zealand’s top drifters will battle for precious championship points. The weekend culminates in a special Champions showcase on Sunday.
“We’re proud to have the opportunity to bring D1NZ back to where it all began,” says D1NZ executive James McManaway.
“This venue helped shape the identity of drifting in New Zealand. Returning to Pukekohe Park for one final celebration – with Turn 1 as the centrepiece – is something truly special. We’re grateful to the team at Pukekohe Park and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing for their support in making this farewell happen.”
Fans can also expect a full motorsport festival experience, including live music, fan zones, Monster Truck demonstrations, car displays, kids’ activities, the Pukekohe Park Sunday Market, and a memory wall celebrating the venue’s role in New Zealand drifting.
Motorsport activity at the venue ceased in 2023; however, this drifting event was approved as a one-off exception, with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR), which now operates Pukekohe Park as a thoroughbred racing and training venue.
“While Pukekohe Park is now focused on thoroughbred racing, we recognise the cultural significance of this moment for the drifting community,” says ATR CEO Paul Wilcox.
“We’re supporting this one-off event on a commercial basis, with the understanding it provides a chance for a respectful farewell to the motorsport drifting community at the venue.”
The return to Pukekohe Park comes as ATR undertakes early-stage masterplanning to guide the venue’s long-term future, with the Club exploring opportunities to protect and grow its racing footprint, including the potential for a thoughtfully designed residential offering on surrounding land.
Tickets for D1NZ’s February 2026 event at Pukekohe Park are on sale now via D1NZ’s official channels. Capacity will be limited, and fans are encouraged to book early to be part of this milestone celebration of drifting in New Zealand.
Header Image: Supplied
