Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium will see some of New Zealand’s biggest names in motor racing triple the action for the opening round of the Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship.
In a Southern Hemisphere first—drifting, rallycross, and motard action will thrill fans under the roof of the 30,000+ capacity South Island stadium.
Former world no.2 Kiwi motocross rider Josh Coppins will headline the support act in the motard field over December 2–3. Whilst Highlands and Hampton Downs Motorsport Park owner Tony Quinn joins the action with the Silver Fern Rally.
The annual rally and inaugural Supermoto Cup will join a line-up of motor racing madness, which will see drivers and riders from across the country compete on the temporary mixed–surface circuit.
Former 125GP and 250 Production national champion Seth Devereux says bringing motard racing to a new audience is going to be an experience not to be missed.
“We’ve made a crazy exciting new format which no one has really tried before,” said Devereux.
“We’re going to have a motocross gate start, four riders at a time in heats. What it means is that it’s going to be quickfire three lap races with four boys going hell for leather because they need the points to get through to the semi’s and ultimately to the final.”
“On a full track you only see them for like one corner or two corners, but in this format you can see the whole race, every move, every pass, every push and shove, it’s all there for everyone to see.”
The Silver Fern Rally brings together classic cars domestically and globally all on one stage—the picturesque sweeping gravel roads of the South Island. Drivers from Wales, Germany, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland will converge on the South Island for seven days of rallying.
Over 50 historic rally cars will race from sunrise to sunset for four days prior; before meeting at Forsyth Barr on Friday evening. The Super Special Stage will take place on the temporary circuit in a bent–sprint race against the clock for one night only.
Ultimate Rally Group Managing Director Peter Martin says the opportunity to compete at Forsyth Barr Stadium is perfect to expand the profile of rallying in New Zealand.
“We booked in the use of the stadium last year, and then when the discussions came about moving around D1NZ [to Forsyth Barr] we said ‘yeah we’re happy to be involved,’” said Martin.
“It provides some cross pollination and it’s a great opportunity to get a diverse and wide audience to any motorsport event.
“I think it’s really important that we engage as many people as we possibly can across the different genres to make the whole event worthwhile. So it was a no brainer from my perspective.”
A collection of legendary classic cars including the likes of the Fiat 131 Abarth, Ford Escort MKII RS1800, and Mercedes 190E Cosworth will all contest this year’s rally.
Adding to the action is the anticipated additional of current specification AP4 and 2000s-era Group N rally cars for a rallycross shootout. Drivers for the race will be confirmed closer to the event, but already numerous high profile drivers are planning to join.
D1NZ Category Manager Brendon White says he’s excited to bring a diverse and exciting show to the far south.
“I’m pumped for the show, the sound, the proximity fans will have to the action,” says White.
“The facts it’s in an indoor football stadium, there’s not one element so to speak that’s exciting me the most. I just can’t wait to enjoy such a unique event with everybody watching some of the world’s best Drifters, Motard riders, Rally Drivers, BMX and FMX Riders!”
The first round of the Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium takes place over December 2–3. The event is supported by the Silver Fern Rally and NZ Supermoto Cup.
For more information about round one visit www.D1NZ.com
Additional quotes:
Seth Devereux – Motorcycling New Zealand
“The final is only going to be four laps, so once you get to the end of everything you’re going to have four of the fastest boys having a mad tussle to keep a title. It’s going to get pretty hectic.
“I’m fully prepared for some argy-bargy, elbows out, people pushing each other out of the road. It’s going to get exciting! These Supermoto riders are going to be pushing, plus the fact that there’s only four of them in a heat so they need to make sure they make it through.
“You’re going to have it right in front of 24,000 people with tv, with the roof on and the noise, the spectacle, the push and shove, it’ll be like supermoto but never seen before.“
Peter Martin – Ultimate Rally Group Managing Director
“The Silver Fern Rally is for historic pedigree cars only. So MKII BDA Escorts for example, those are the common car of choice.
“We have about 30 per cent of our customers come from Europe participating in it, so the type of person wanting that with a quarter of a million dollar historic Escort, are generally in their late 50’s, or older, and have been around motorsport for a long time.
“From a rally perspective, we want to put large amounts of money back into the urban areas and towns for accommodation, food, and the likes of. Wherever we can be seen to be doing something to give back to the community we’ll relish that opportunity.“
Brendon White – D1NZ Category Manager
“For such an amazing concept inside the stadium we wanted to give fans an array of NZ motorsport; so they witness some of the best icons and codes NZ Motorsport has to offer.
“It’s great and both the drivers and riders of the sport are so pumped to put on a show for everyone come December 2–3.
“In all custom venues we have a long term strategic plan to ensure a future with the region, When D1NZ comes it puts a huge boost into the local economy so with this and a unique show not seen this far south we hope to grow Forsyth Barr into being one of the world’s most iconic Motorsport events over future years to come.”
