EVERGREEN DRIFT PARK OPENS

Since the loss of the Slipway Facility in Wellington, the local drift scene has been lacking a fulltime, dedicated drift track. We’ve managed by repurposing local circuits, such as Hampton Downs and Meremere for the upper North Island, Taupo for the lower, and Ruapuna and Timaru raceways for the South Island. However, when we caught a whiff that plans were underway to bring back a dedicated drift venue, we were all over that noise.

The brainchild of former D1NZ Pro series driver Sky Zhao, Evergreen Drift Park is a tight and technical circuit, approximately 1km long, that focuses on low-speed drifting in which big power, or the need to carry lots of momentum, is not necessary — but if you have it, a damn good time is sure to follow.

Sky tells us that the idea was to create a facility that is friendly to both beginners and advanced drivers, with the former being able to develop their technique without the risk of destroying their cars — assisted by the open-plan set-up that allows obstruction-free run-off — while advanced drivers can push their abilities to the limits by carrying higher speeds and using the concrete-walled straight for proximity training and nasty wall scrapes, much like those you’ll see at Japan’s Meihan Sportsland.

With the track now completed, the first public dates have been announced for March, and are, understandably, selling out mega-quick as everyone chafes to get in on the fun. For further info, visit the ‘Evergreen Drift Park’ Facebook page.

Evergreen Drift Park March 17, 18, 24, and 25 Meremere

$150 per driver