More fans can get the drift
Driven and NZME are proud to announce a fresh partnership with the Link ECU D1NZ National Drifting Championship.
During the past 15 years, drifting has transformed from an underground scene into arguably New Zealand’s most strongly represented form of domestic motorsport.
Much of that has been through the advancements of preparation and professionalism in the D1NZ series, which itself hits the middle of its 15th season this weekend.
The category now boasts one of the largest fan followings of any domestic sport series, while also representing a quality springboard for those who wish to tackle the international drifting world. The high level of competition in D1NZ is underlined by the list of former champions. Over the past five seasons, different drivers have snatched title victory each year.
This landmark partnership will see exclusive D1NZ content join Driven’s online and print content ranks on a regular basis, offering hardcore and casual fans alike a unique insight into the way the sport works through interviews, tech showcases, and event highlights footage.
“Since D1NZ first began back in 2003, the series has always aimed to have premier coverage on one of the main television networks," says D1NZ category manager Brendon White.
“However, the way our demographic consumes media is moving further and further away from terrestrial television to online-based platforms. As a series we need to match that and find the best place for our audience to enjoy the best bits of the title race.
“Ultimately, we want to give our drivers, sponsors and venues the best coverage possible, “he said.
D1NZ’s long-standing media relationships were part of that and it wanted to build on them.
“In the last few seasons we’ve changed the game and shifted our approach. We’ve gone to new cities, tried new venues, and built our own circuits. The capital being invested in the series’ long-term future is substantial, so we want to make sure everyone sees it, which is why we’ve teamed with NZME and their affiliated brands.
“With Driven expanding to video-based content, we believe now is the right time to get behind it and move over to a well established online website like theirs. It makes sense with the ability to share and engage with our fans, which was something we couldn’t do with television.”
This is on top of an increased presence through NZME’s extended radio and print publications.
Today marks round three of the 2018 D1NZ season, taking place at Timaru’s Levels Raceway. Australia’s Matty Hill leads the standings in his 4.mance Automotive Nissan Silvia S15. Defending champion Cole Armstrong sits second.
“Fanga Dan” Woolhouse is third. Having switched to a Ford Mustang over the off-season, Woolhouse will debut his fierce American-built RTR Spec 5-D Mustang this weekend.
It’s just one of several incredible builds featured in the D1NZ field, along with Jaron Olivecrona’s Hartley Engineering V12 Nissan Silvia , Jase Brown’s “Boss” Rocket Bunny Nissan Silvia, and the wild BMW M3s of Daynom Templeman and Johnny Latham.
These and much more will feature in upcoming video projects on Driven.co.nz.