The ever-growing sport of drifting has finally established it’s own home in New Zealand with the first dedicated facility to be constructed at Meremere Dragway South of Auckland.
Auckland based entrepreneur, Sky Zhao, has been well known in the New Zealand drift scene since 2008. A pro driver, turned professional coach, and with his own business, Drift Academy International, operating in New Zealand, Japan and China.
“It’s been a dream of mine for a long time to see the sport of drifting legitimised and for it to grow here in New Zealand. I’m lucky enough to be able to be a part of that”, Sky says.
Sky first started on the project two years ago. Having drifted at many purpose-built tracks overseas, establishing such a facility in NZ became his vision for the future of drifting in New Zealand - a place to bring like-minded people together in a safe, off the street environment without the high cost of established racing circuits.
Traditional circuits are often too demanding for beginners and those in grassroot cars. The Drift Park’s design will provide a safer and better quality experience not only for those learning to drift but for experienced drivers too.
After much consultation with the local council, and with the help of Gary Bogaart from Meremere Dragway, the vision is now fast becoming a reality.
Construction will be underway soon with completion targeted for the end of 2017.
For ongoing updates, visit www.driftpark.co.nz or search 'Meremere Drift Park' on Facebook.