D1NZ Round 5 has come. Pukekohe has always been one of my favourite tracks, and it’s great to see it used for drifting. The first corner is one of the fastest in the world, with drivers entering at 210kph, this was the goal for all drivers.\r\nI headed out to Pukekohe Park Raceway early so I could scout out where to shoot from. Even though I’m a somewhat local, I’ve never shot professional drifting at Pukekohe before. This proved to be a learning curve. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe practice day started off with some good runs, and a few scared competitors. Andrew Redward in his V8 RX7 went out in force, with many flawless runs.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBruce Tannock and his S13 were also out giving some clean runs.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Rookie drivers were also out giving it their all.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis Gloria was being pushed to it limits, it went off the track a few times, but overall had some crazy runs.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI went around for a walk and checked out the cars in the parking lot. This Red Trueno was looking mint, sitting with it’s era perfect paint.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBack out to the track and the rookies were going hard. These guys have to push it in order to make it big. They were definitely giving the pro’s a run for their money.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis Impreza was gunning along at some crazy speeds, and always managed to get the tires smoking. The car later on however did suffer a few issues with the engine.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCurt was out with his R34, using his tires as a smoke screen to cover his opponents. Much like something out of a 80’s car chase film.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGood to see Hugo out with his AE86. I love seeing one of the original model drift cars still being used today.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nA few cars did end up off the track, but luckily no major damage occurred.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSadly, Sky Zhao did bend a camber arm quite badly, which would land him back in the pits.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor a car held together with Duct Tape, it sure could slide.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOverall the day allowed the drivers to figure out the track, especially Josh Coote the Australian! Luckily he seemed to pick up on the track fairly quick.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCurt kept the R34 in a constant slide for most of Pukekohe’s painful sweeper.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs the day ended, all the drivers seemed eager to get onto Day 2 – the big day.\r\n\r\nPart 2 – The Competition Day coming up soon!\r\n\r\n-Chris