Motorsport drifts back into capital
Drift motorsport will make its Wellington debut early next year as top race action returns to the region after a two-decade absence.
The 2018 NZ Xtreme Motorsport Series and D1NZ National Drifting Championship series will be launched over the weekend of January 12 and 13 at Wellington Family Speedway in Te Marua, north of Upper Hutt.
NZ Xtreme Motorsport Series managing director Brendon White said the series had always ideal for the capital. ‘‘We know there’s a big fan base and car culture there but its been tough to find the right land in the right location.’’
A partnership with the Wellington Speedway led to the sporting breakthrough, which organisers expect will fill Te Marua speedway to its 6500 capacity on both days.
The stock car venue will under go big changes to accommodate the new motorsport, including the concreting of its grass infield and temporary sealing of its main track. ‘‘This had been in our planning for over a year and became an option for us when were were approached by the speedway.’’
More than 450 metres of concrete will be laid for a figure-eight circuit, with work starting early next month.
While the speedway’s racetrack will be returned to dirt, its innerconcrete platform will remain, with the new partnership looking to promote further racing later in the year.
‘‘While the drift track will stay, the venue is primarily a speedway. But the aim is to develop a multipurpose facility for drifting, driver training and other events.’’
Wellington Speedway president Chris Hadley said the arrival of other motorsports at Te Marua was a big positive.
‘‘This joint venture is going to allow us to showcase our facility that much more and promote both speedway and drifting.’’
D1NZ built and raced on a circuit in Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium late last year, and in February a first speedway-based drift circuit was in place at Tauranga’s ASB Bay Park.
These developments gave D1NZ the confidence to bring a purposebuilt drifting circuit to Wellington, White said.
Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy said the development was good news. ‘‘We have a long history with motorsport ... It’s exciting to have it happening here again.’’