So we’re back for Round 2 of The Cody’s D1NZ National Drifting Championship Series, this time returning to Whangarei, only in a different location – The Toll Racing Circuit. Put on by Toll trucking, the circuit has been designed by the crew at D1NZ to allow for a mix of speed and angle throughout a purpose built track. With a much better surface than last seasons course, I was keen to get out, up and close without worrying about stones being flung at my camera..\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe left around 430am to ensure we would get there on time. Sadly a few of our team members decided to not wake up on time and thus caused a slight detour..\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe made it past the toll highway and onto the scenic section just prior to Warkworth around 6am. Sadly I didn’t get my full English breakfast that I’d hoped for at Autobahn Cafe. Oh well.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAll we could think about was how lovely it would be to close off these roads and drift them.. Don’t go street drifting kids.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs we arrived, this rolled off Mad Mike’s trailer.. Do love a nice GTR in the morning. This one was supplied by Mobil 1.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRicky Lee was all set up with his fresh RX7.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCurt rolled in the black on black R34.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOn the way to the briefing, Mike went from very happy..\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnto a very serious Mike. Andrew Redward looked like he was praying however.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGary Tenana also looked quite serious.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBrendon looked pretty happy however.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJustin held up the course layout to show how it all comes together. One big entry into a tight corner, followed by a sweeper and into a smaller corner to finish.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBut onto the drifting. Mad Mike rolled his car out to line up.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt wasn’t long before he was out on track giving the Redbull RX8 hell.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nShane Allen was straight out and onto it in his V8 Falcon pulling masses of smoke from the Federal tyres.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBruce Tannock’s Rocket Bunny S13 looked good just waiting to go out.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCurt Whittaker was showing off his skills throughout the track.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCam’s crazy Skinny mobile was curling around the final corner, just before the finish line.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChilling in the carpark was this rad old school Crown wagon.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnto the Pro Am division and the Femme Fatale C33 Laurel was making huge smoke. Love the ‘NDABLW’ (sp) number plate on this car.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJoe’s little Cookie Monster was tied on for its dear life.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTroy’s little brother Ben said that he would still be related to his brother after this run, allowing for plenty of smoke from the awesome S15.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTodd had a new face on this wagon, rather than the twin headlight setup. His Keto knuckles were giving him some rad lock coming around the corner.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSadly impact with the concrete barrier ended this RX7’s round 2 dreams.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRedward’s RX7 came back out for the pro’s practice. Haraguchi influence is coming through here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFanga was creating some huge angles exiting the sweeper.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSadly the Pro Am’s weren’t the only ones getting nailed into the wall. Willy had a bad skateboard grind on the wall and ended up like this..\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGaz’s second card was looking dope with the Zenki front.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe crowds were out to see some big smoke..\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnd that’s what Zak Pole gave them.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs was Mad Mike Whiddett.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNate was out on commentator duty laying down the law from the ZF point of view. Love your work Nate <3\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI’m going to jump straight into the top 8 battles, with the first battle seeing Darren Kelly up against Jodie Verhulst. I’m told Jodie had no clutch, was stuck in second gear and also had no handbreak working. After putting up a great fight, Darren Kelly went through – with much respect to Jodie.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJoe was put up against Gareth Grove but sadly Gareth’s car was too injured to go on, putting Joe straight through.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHowever not long after hearing the news of Gareth’s car, Joe was disqualified by officials. After Denny (Joe’s father) talked to D1NZ and the officials they decided to change their mind and let him off. Thank fu*k.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMatt Lauder came up against Gagen Singh which saw Matt go through.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJacob Hakaraia then came up against Michael Thorley, with Jacob going through.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBut that’s enough battles for one day. Here’s Richie the photographer.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJustin Rood had his RPS13 on display. Loving the fitment on this thing. I wonder if it’ll ever come out of retirement?\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMad Mike was rocking his concave/deep dish Nessen Forged wheels. I’d never heard of the brand prior to Mike using them, but I’m glad I’ve heard of them now.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHere we can see the three pit lane thugs in action. Putting Go Pro’s on and doing other stuffs.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJoe put on his best thug life face for this shot. Can’t wait for him to look back on this and ask why.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Pro’s came out for one last session and laid down some rad runs to ensure the crowd was getting their money worth.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMike seemed to enjoy the tight course, allowing for some good angle and rotary noise abuse.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nShane just seemed to touch the accelerator to allow for huge amounts of smoke. Crazy car.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSky was also peeling tyres in his V8 powered 350z.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGaz Whiter’s passenger was pulling what he and Gaz had hoped would be the outcome of the day..\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnd lastly, Carl’s tiny front tyres were just hitting the ground as he came into the sweeper.\r\n\r\nMore battles and photos to come in the day 2 post – coming soon.\r\n\r\nWe’ve got some T Shirts coming soon as well which should be on sale just in time for Christmas. If you’re keen, look out here or on our Facebook page for when they’re on sale.\r\n\r\n-Chris