D1NZ Makes East Coast Debut – Tairāwhiti Gisborne joins calendar

New Zealand’s premier drifting series will roar into the East Coast for the first time in its history, with the D1NZ National Drifting Championship announcing Tairāwhiti Gisborne as host for Round 4 of the 2025–26 season.

From 20–22 March 2026, the brand-new, purpose-built H BlackBee Drift Park will showcase the nation’s best drifters in an action-packed weekend. For more than two decades, D1NZ has toured the country – but never before has the championship reached the East Cape. It’s a milestone moment for motorsport fans from Whakatāne to Hawke’s Bay and across the Tairāwhiti region.

D1NZ Executive James McManaway says bringing the championship to Gisborne is a major win for the sport in NZ.

“We’re always looking to grow the series and connect with new audiences, and Gisborne gives us that opportunity in a big way. The local motorsport community has been incredible – without Boss, Wereta, Corbyn and Shaun, this simply wouldn’t be happening. H BlackBee Drift Park is the perfect venue to showcase both Pro and Pro-Sport drifting at the highest level. This will be an incredible weekend for the region.”

The event is made possible thanks to the vision of local legends Boss ‘Black Bee’ and Wereta Kake, who have hosted regular drift testing days at the venue at the end of Dunstan Road.

Boss Black Bee, of H BlackBee Contractors, says the event will be a special moment for the region:

“It will be a great event for our whānau in the Tairāwhiti region to experience a showcase of international motorsport, alongside our own local talents. Our vision to bring a national event of this scale here has finally been made possible with the support of Aratu Forests, Gank14, D1NZ and H BlackBee Contractors.”

Fans will also see strong local representation on track, with young Gisborne drifter Corbyn Wilson – fresh off an impressive fourth place in his rookie Pro-Sport season – stepping up to compete. Wereta Kake will contest the Pro Championship, while Boss Black Bee will also join more than 50 drivers on the grid for this inaugural East Coast showdown.

What You’ll See

• Pro & Pro-Sport Championship Battles – Side-by-side drifting at full tilt as drivers fight for championship points on a custom-built layout.
• Show & Shine Car Show – From classics to high-performance builds, a celebration of NZ car culture.
• Trade Stands & Merch Zone – Meet the brands backing the sport and grab official D1NZ gear.
• Live Music, Entertainment, Food Trucks & Family Zone – Great eats, kids’ activities, and chill spaces for the ultimate day out.

Event Schedule
Friday 20 March – Pro-Sport Qualifying, Pro Practice
Saturday 21 March – Pro-Sport Battles, Pro Practice & Qualifying
Sunday 22 March – Pro-Sport Top 8, Pro Championship Battles
🎟 Tickets are due to go on sale Tuesday 26 August – More event details to come via D1NZ.com and official social channels.