The Final Chapter: D1NZ Round 3 and Drift GP Close the Pukekohe Era
- 7 hours ago
- 7 min read
Words: Megan Foster. Photos: Ray Clarke Photography & _perfk
There was a different feeling in the air at Pukekohe Park Raceway for D1NZ, and it wasn’t just the tyre smoke. This wasn’t another stop on the calendar, it was the last time any form of motorsport would ever run on this historic piece of asphalt. For decades, Pukekohe has been part of the heartbeat of New Zealand motorsport, and this event marked the closing chapter. D1NZ didn’t just put on a show, it helped send the track off in the only way it should be remembered: loud, fast, and unforgettable.
Drivers started the pack-in on Thursday, but the D1NZ team had already been on site for the last 3+ weeks, reinstating the concrete barriers, fencing, and getting the venue ready for the send-off. 200 hours of forklift operation, 300 concrete barriers, 200 metres of scatter fencing, 1,300 metres of painting, 1,200 metres of CCB, and many hours of manual labour.
Thursday brought the first lot of testing for our drivers, having 3 hours of shake-down before the track closed for the evening and the food trucks rolled in. This gave the field a chance to shake the nerves and get some rubber down on the asphalt.
Friday arrived, and the field went straight back into their testing. Both Pro and Pro-Sport had their chance to dial in their setups before qualifying from 1.30pm. Tiger White pulled a qualifying score of 93 out of the hat – winning him the D1NZ G-Shock Top Qualifier position for Pro-Sport, as well as a G-Shock watch to take back home with him. Blake Myles followed behind with a 91.6, and Jonny Burns with a 91.4 qualifying score.
When the Pro field got out on track for their qualifying, so did the rain. And it didn’t stop. With the track turning slippery, those who hadn’t had any practice in the wet found it a whole new challenge. However, Connor Halligan came out as the D1NZ G-Shock Top Qualifier, with a 93.2 qualifying score, winning himself another G-Shock watch. Scott Dinsdale came in with a 91, followed by Daniel Woolhouse with a 90.8 qualifying score.
A fresh day on Saturday brought in the Pro-Sport Top 32 Battles, with the infamous Pukekohe Park Raceway taking no prisoners. 2026 Pro-Sport Scholarship Winner, Cody Lineham, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with after working his way through the Top 32. After a tough battle between himself and Isaac Aldridge, Cody came out with second place for 2026 D1NZ Round 3. Due to an unfortunate time restriction, the battles for third and fourth had to be dropped, instead awarding third place to the highest qualifier. Blake Myles came in first place, Cody Lineham in second, and Jonny Burns in third place for the round.
“It’s definitely a dream come true for me to drive there and it’s the most insane track I’ve ever driven. I’d like to thank Dad, Poppa, Brogan, Chandler Panel and Paint, and all the other sponsors that make it possible.” – Cody Lineham.
Blake wins an 11pc Tengtools Screwdriver Set, Schmick Mick Car Care Pack, G-Shock Watch, and CRC product.
“Competing at such an iconic track, and my home track, being part of Pukekohe Raceway’s final motorsport event, and taking the win is a moment my team and I will remember forever.” – Blake Myles.
The Pro Top 32 battles followed, and certainly didn’t lack in shake-ups! Clayton Dalley came in hot and worked his way into the Top 8, coming up against Drift Masters Champion, Lauri Heinonen. Kurt Blackie also showing no mercy, coming up against Lauri in the Top 4 battles. Dave Steedman showing everyone his consistency this season, getting into the Top 4 against Ben Jenkins. Lauri Heinonen ultimately being the D1NZ Round 3 Pro winner, Dave Steedman coming in second, and Ben Jenkins in third place.
“It still feels surreal, to get back onto Pukekohe and hit that sweeper is an awesome feeling. It’s where it all began for us in our early drifting days and to come back to the home of drift with our current level of cars was pretty special. It was not all glory for Team DSR especially having to battle each other in the top 16, but we had a lot of fun and still managed a couple of podiums over the weekend. We head to Gisborne next for R4 of the D1NZ Championship - a new region for us which is really exciting as we head into the concrete jungles to close out the season, can’t wait to rub the walls and get on doors!” – Dave Steedman
Lauri wins a Tengtools 1033pc Master Toolbox with Tools, Logitech G Astro A50, Schmick Mick Car Care Pack, and CRC product.
“So, I just want to say I have never felt this kind of rush to accelerate to the highest gear on the run up. Better yet, to get to do it while chasing another car trying to be as close as possible and throw it blind after them into the sweeper. I will remember this feeling forever, thank you Pukekohe and D1NZ!” – Lauri Heinonen.
Sunday brought not only Drift GP, but a celebratory showcase of history. The Schmick Mick Hard Park and Cruise went off, with over 130 cars entered. The James Schmickmanaway Award went to Phil Saunders with his Nissan Skyline GTST R32 “F0RBID”. The Schmick King was Phillip Otene with his Gold Holden Commodore, “NYCRYD”. Schmick Queen went to Avi Hardavnarain in her Mitusbishi Evo, “BOYBYE”. And the Schmickest Ride went to Paul Thompson in his Mazda RX8, “RAD 8”.
Our OG Drift Sessions also brought out a few drifters from the shadows – Curt Whittaker, Adam Richards, Kyle Jackways and others showed that they can still swing it sideways at Pukekohe.
D1NZ has also introduced the Hall of Fame, with Daniel ‘Fanga Dan’ Woolhouse being the very first inductee. From the very beginning of D1NZ 20+ years ago, Daniel has been there. Many years of competition drifting and dedication to the sport has not gone un-noticed. We would like to congratulate, and thank Daniel and the team for their dedication over the years.
Special guests inside the Creme Northcrest Insurance Icon Zone included;
Bruce Verdon – NZV8 Touring Car
Mark Mallard – NZV8 Touring Car
Ken Smith MBE – Swift DB4 and March 76b
Graeme Lawrence – Swift DB4
David Oxton – Ralt RT4
Angus Fogg – CRC Alfetta
Andrew Anderson – Pinepac Mustang
Owen Evans – McLaren Artura
Connor Burson – F5000 McRae GM1
Andrew Stroud – Britten V1000
Drift GP itself brought 8 internationals, taking on 8 of New Zealand’s best. The international line up consisted of Chelsea DeNofa, Ryan Litteral, Lauri Heinonen, Amanda Sorensen, Connor O’Sullivan, Luke Fink, Brodie Maher and Saxon Moyes. Due to unfortunate mechanical issues, Chelsea and Brodie both had to pull out of the competition itself, with Kurt Blackie and David Hunter stepping in. Filling the last spots were Darren Kelly, Adam Davies, Gaz Whiter, Dave Steedman, Ben Jenkins, Daniel Woolhouse, and Connor Halligan.
Some of our New Zealand drivers kindly offered their cars up to our internationals, with Jonny Burns sharing with Ryan Litteral, Aaron Habib sharing with Amanda Sorensen, and Johnny Latham sharing with Connor O’Sullivan. Chelsea, Lauri and Luke all jumped into the JDM Racing field for the weekend. Saxon unfortunately having mechanical issues, was helped out by Matthew Brown with his Nissan Silvia S13.
“D1NZ promised an insane event and they sure did deliver on that promise! I’m truly grateful to the series and everyone involved for the opportunity. Huge thanks to Jonny Burns and his team for the amazing hospitality and for letting me experience that insane 200 km/h entry before the track comes down. To be able to experience this iconic race track and connect with the New Zealand drift community was such a special moment that we are extremely grateful to have been able to be a part of. Pukekohe - you will be missed!” – Ryan Litteral
New Zealand proved strong, with the Kiwis taking over the Top 4 battles of the day. Darren Kelly ultimately taking out first place, Gaz Whiter in second, and Daniel Woolhouse in third place. Drift GP was the premier showcase of New Zealand drifting, bringing in over 12,000 spectators over the course of the weekend.
“What a weekend at Drift GP hosted by D1NZ! This was my first time in New Zealand and fortunate enough to drive on the legendary Pukekohe Raceway and what can I say, I’m blown away. From on the track to off the track, New Zealand does it different! I love it here and I can’t wait to come back. Huge thank you to D1NZ for flying me over, all my sponsors and all the drivers who offered me their cars when we were having car problems.” – Saxon Moyes.
As the tyre smoke disappeared and the sun got lower, Ken Smith, David Oxton and Graeme Lawrence took the last lap of Pukekohe. Deborah Day and Jim Palmer held the chequered flag for the very last time to signify such a historic event at an equally historic venue.
Pukekohe Park Raceway means so much to so many people, and we can’t thank those enough who came to celebrate its history with us.
“I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in bringing international presence to the New Zealand drift scene through D1NZ and Drift GP. Seeing world-class drivers come here, compete, and connect with our local talent shows just how far the sport has come in this country. It’s about putting NZ drifting on the global map and continuing to raise the bar year after year.” – James McManaway, D1NZ Director.
Heading into the next round of the 2026 D1NZ National Drifting Championship, Dave Steedman leads the Pro Series points table on 264 points. Connor Halligan sits in second with 236 points, and Ben Jenkins in third with 174 points.
Blake Myles leads the Pro-Sport Series points table on 306 points, Riley McKeown in second with 226 points, and Isaac Aldridge in third with 164 points.
Round 4 will be held at H Blackbee Drift Park in Gisborne, 21-22 March 2026. Tickets are on sale now – we’ll see you on the East Coast!
