Drift fans in the greater Auckland area are in for a treat in May this year as a venue change sees the season-ending Grand Final event moved from Pukekohe Park Raceway to Mt Smart Stadium for the season’s only night event.

“We’ve been wanting to put on another day/night meeting at Mt Smart since we ran the first one there two years ago and now we can,” says series CEO and organiser Brendon White of the Friday May 23/Saturday May 24 event.

“It’s going to be mega. We’re going to have the biggest grandstand we’ve ever had at a D1NZ event, with seating for over 3000 fans, plus room for another 2000 on the stadium side of the course. The drivers loved it when we first went there and the day/night format adds a whole new dimension to the fan experience, while the drivers go all out making their cars into night machines”

Like last year, Pukekohe Park Raceway was to have hosted this season’s Grand Final but White says that delays in Auckland City’s new Draft Unitary Plan meant that it made sense to seek out and lock in an alternative Grand Final venue sooner rather than later.

“We respect the position that Pukekohe and the local residents are in at the moment to come to an agreement on a plan that works for everyone involved in the community. The door is definitely not closed (for drifting at Pukekohe) but it’s a delicate process that may take some time yet to ensure we can return once a year.”

“It’s important for us that we do (get the opportunity to) return to Pukekohe, it’s an absolutely iconic venue in our sport and Turn 1 is the fastest drift corner in the world, but after discussing the various options and alternatives we decided a day/night meeting at Mt Smart over the same weekend was the best option.”

Other venues considered were the Ardmore and Whenuapai Airfields in Auckland, the Manfeild motor racing circuit in the Manawatu and the new Highlands Motorsport Park in Central Otago.

Only Mt Smart, however, ticked all the boxes in the time frame the series had.

“For a start,” says White,” the venue was available the weekend we wanted it which is the same weekend the Grand Final was originally set for (May 23/24). The management was also keen on us coming back and happy for us to have a day/night meeting. We also want to put on a show for the fans and this ‘up close spectacle’ track allows fans to really get in on the action”

The previous Mt Smart event produced some fantastic drift action but not – quite – the crowd he had hoped for so now White has a chance to address the fact with an entry and fan-base which has grown exponentially in the last two years.

“It wasn’t as if we did any one thing wrong, more that we didn’t execute the event to its full potential last time. If there’s one thing we’re big on at D1NZ it is not giving up so returning to Mt Smart gives us a chance to re-address that and really finish the season on a high.”

To that end, a new, longer, drift course had already been mapped out and as well as the extra Grandstand seating White says that fans can expect ‘a few extra treats to make their night a memorable one!’

Mt Smart will offer 3 ticket types, VIP being the best of the lot at $100 per ticket for Top Grandstand seats plus food and beverages both days, Seated Grandstand for $30.00 online, or standing room for $20.00 online with tickets going on sale today (Friday Feb 28) on www.Iticket.co.nz

“We are excited to have a night round back on the cards,” says White, “and the D1NZ drivers have been very receptive and supportive of the move. The fact that we’ve just concluded deals to broadcast our current season rounds in America and Australia means a spectacular final night round is the icing on the cake.”