Luke Fink – Return of the D1NZ 2025 Drift King

We interviewed our reigning 2025 D1NZ Drift King, Luke Fink, on all things drift-life before he makes the trip over from Australia to compete for his title.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, and your achievements over the years besides being our reigning D1NZ Drift King.

I have a problem that when I get into things I get into them fully, so I was fortunate enough to take BMX to the highest level, eventually becoming BMX World Freestyle Champion in 2003. Other than that, drifting spiked my interest and the same thing has been happening over the years. I've been multiple times Australian Champion, European champion and current D1NZ Champion, so I’m stoked with how drifting is progressing for me.

You’ve battled some serious talent over the years, who would be your top pick of the bunch?

Hard to say any singular person, but anyone that just goes 10/10ths and doesn’t play any games! 

You travel the world, and live the dream of so many fans out there. What was the grind like behind the scenes?

It’s had its highs but definitely hasn’t come without more lows! The public usually only sees the tip of the iceberg, and not all the hard work, time, effort, and luck that goes into getting to a higher level, and once you're there it doesn’t stop to be honest.

How much time do you spend refining your setup versus just adapting behind the wheel?

I’m definitely far more of an adapter rather than messing with setup too much, just due to what is often very limited seat time in the cars I drive!

With that said, on my personal cars I definitely enjoy the process of working on my own setup.

For fans who geek out on the details, what’s one thing you’ve added to a previous build that’s made a big difference?

The body of another car to make it look cooler 😂

When you’re in the car, what does focus feel like for you – calm and calculated or pure instinct?

I would say a bit of both have to play their parts.

I definitely have a ton of instinct after all these years, but you still need to remind yourself to be cool, calm, and calculated rather than just going for the kill. Something I definitely changed between my 2024 season and 2025 season!

Less driving from the heart, more driving with my head! My heart just wants to take all the risks to jam it on door for the best show, but unfortunately, that’s not often rewarded. So using calm and calculated driving allowed me to consistently be at the pointy end of the field.

D1NZ has some fierce battles, who pushed you the hardest last season?

I have had some ripper battles this past year but I would say the 2 stand-outs for me would be my battle with Lauri, and the other battle would have to be with Jordan Joyce in the final round Top 16. Great stand up battles with both drivers just sending it.

Looking back, what advice would you give the younger version of yourself just getting into drifting?

Get into it sooner, and guess I was so caught up with BMX I didn’t get my licence till I was 22, so I definitely got into cars a bit later than a majority of people.

How do you switch off after a big weekend, or do you just never stop?

Never stop! 

Is there anything from “old-school drifting” you wish the new generation would bring back?

Normally I would say style but I feel like D1NZ has some of the best styled competitor cars in the world so I appreciate that.

Any message you want to send to the fans before the next round kicks off?

I’m hoping that I can put on a great show and I would obviously love to take another championship, but I would also love to push a bit harder.

It’s a tough one, because wins while driving at 80% just don’t feel as cool as driving at 100% wins. But regardless I’m excited for a great year with the JDM Racing Team and all of the D1NZ field, fans and staff.