The weekend of 13–15 February will bookend a 63-year history of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated motorsport venues, as Pukekohe Park Raceway hosts its final motorsport meeting.
The farewell weekend delivers three standout pillars: Round Three of the D1NZ National Drifting Championship, the inaugural international Drift GP, and a special Sunday programme that closes the curtain on racing at the iconic circuit.
Taking to the circuit one last time, the schedule features a remarkable collection of cars with deep historical ties to Pukekohe, alongside moments that reflect the venue’s diversity and legacy.
The weekend also celebrates two-wheel innovation, with the legendary Britten V1000 returning to the track as nine-time national champion Andrew Stroud delivers a full-noise farewell lap of the 2.91km circuit.
D1NZ Drift Championship – Round Three (Friday & Saturday)
The country’s premier sideways spectacle returns to centre stage as D1NZ brings Round Three of the championship to Pukekohe on Friday and Saturday. With national titles on the line and the season reaching its critical midpoint, the fast-flowing nature of the circuit promises intense, door-to-door battles as New Zealand’s best drift drivers push to the absolute limit.
For many competitors, this round carries extra significance. Pukekohe has been a proving ground for generations of drivers, and this final championship appearance at a circuit famed globally for its near-200km/h first corner ensures fans will witness some of the most committed driving of the season — and of the venue’s long history.
Drift GP – Inaugural International Showcase (Sunday)
Sunday marks the debut of Drift GP, an international, invitation-only event bringing together some of the world’s hottest drift talent alongside New Zealand’s finest. Designed as a true global showcase, Drift GP elevates the weekend from a national championship round into an international motorsport spectacle, reinforcing Pukekohe’s long-held reputation for attracting world-class competition.
Flying Farewell – Sunday Tribute Laps
Sunday’s programme also serves as the emotional farewell to Pukekohe Park Raceway, a circuit woven into the fabric of New Zealand motorsport since hosting its first New Zealand Grand Prix in 1963. The farewell brings together masters of the sport, multi-generational racing families, and the people who helped define the venue across six decades of competition.
A variety of historic and iconic cars will take to the circuit for one last blast, offering a final taste of the sights, sounds and speed that Pukekohe became famous for — a rolling tribute to everything the circuit has represented. Race winners at Pukekohe read like an honour roll of the world’s best drivers.
The Very Special Closing Moment
As the sun sets on Sunday, the weekend concludes with a carefully curated closing moment designed to honour Pukekohe’s legacy with dignity and emotion. This final act brings together cars, drivers, a guard of honour and stories from every era, acknowledging the competitors, volunteers, officials and fans who made the circuit what it was.
The weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sport in New Zealand, Fox Sports in Australia, and globally via YouTube, with coverage including interviews and farewell messages from around the world — helping close the curtain on Pukekohe Park Raceway for the final time.
Image: Supplied
