Gisborne to host 2027 D1NZ National Drifting Championship season opener
Monday 12 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
The 2027 D1NZ National Drifting Championship will return to H BlackBee Drift Park in Matawhero to open the season. Pro drivers are scheduled to compete in two rounds during January, while Pro-Sport drivers will participate in one round.
Key facts
4 facts
- Event dates: 15 to 17 January 2027
- Location: H BlackBee Drift Park, Dunstan Rd, Matawhero
- Funding: $50,000 from Regional Tourism Organisation Trust Tairāwhiti
- Ticket sales begin: 1 November
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The 2027 D1NZ National Drifting Championship will open in Gisborne from 15 to 17 January. Pro drivers will compete in two rounds at H BlackBee Drift Park in Matawhero, while Pro-Sport drivers will participate in one round.
Regional Tourism Organisation Trust Tairāwhiti is providing $50,000 from its regional event fund to support the competition. This follows a previous event that attracted 3,500 spectators and 1,200 visitors, creating an economic impact exceeding $1 million.
Grit Motorsports stated that Gisborne secured the opening weekend due to strong local support during the previous year. The organisation is also discussing ways to expand the local drifting scene through driver development and grassroots events.
Notable competitors include reigning Drift King Dave Steedman, Adman Davies, and Australian Luke Fink. Local driver Corbyn Wilson and 17-year-old Riley McKeown, who is moving into the Pro category, are also scheduled to compete.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and 1News.