Southland Set for Biggest Drift Event in History – 56 D1NZ Teams Head to Invercargill

Southland is gearing up to host its largest top-level drift event ever, as 56 teams descend on Invercargill for the opening round of the 2025–26 D1NZ National Drifting Championship at Teretonga Park Raceway.

From 21–23 November, the world’s southernmost FIA-recognised race circuit will roar into life with a record 24 Pro category drivers and a huge 32-car Pro-Sport field — the first time both national categories have travelled to the Deep South together.

For Southland motorsport fans, it shapes as one of the most significant events to reach the region in years.

D1NZ organisers say the local community sits at the heart of this year’s season opener, with a range of initiatives created specifically for Southland. The weekend will also serve as the backdrop for several key announcements, with the first scheduled for Thursday evening.

In the lead-up to race weekend, D1NZ drivers will visit local Southland schools, giving students a chance to meet the teams and learn about drifting before seeing the cars in full competition mode.

On Friday night from 7:00pm, the public will have a rare chance to cruise the Teretonga circuit alongside D1NZ machines — all in support of the Waihopai City Lions Club, raising funds for the Rural Support Trust. For a gold coin donation, Southlanders can take a slow, controlled lap behind the drift cars.
Gates close at 7:15pm, keeping the session exclusive and truly one-of-a-kind.
From there, the intensity shifts.

Saturday morning the mood changes as the first round of battles begin, to determine the round winner by day’s end. Sunday is a repeat although in the opposite direction – to further challenge the drivers capability under pressure.

Adding depth to the entry list a significant number of entrants are South Island based – making this weekend their only ‘home’ event of the five round season.

Fans will also be treated to a hardpark display of more than 60 unique cars, showcasing some of the most interesting builds from across the region.
And the action doesn’t stop when the drifting ends. On Saturday night, the neighbouring Riverside Speedway fires into life immediately after the D1NZ on-track action finishes — giving fans a double-dose motorsport feast.

Tickets are available online at D1NZ.com