Daynom Templeman- an interview by Josh Wood

Hi Guys,

My name is Josh Wood and I am 16 years old, I love cars, drifting and most motorsport and I would really like to get into automotive journalism when I finish school. I approached MGN, and he said he’d run what ever I wrote for him, so here is my interview with Daynom Templeman. I hope you like it.

Images supplied by Devolution Photography and from archives.

Daynom Templeman has had over 22 Years of experience in motor racing ranging from Formula 3 to Midget cars and made his debut in the NZ Drift scene in 2009, finishing 4th overall in his first season, and more recently grabbing 2nd place in the Tectaloy International Drift Challenge. I sat down for a chat with him.

Hi Daynom, why don’t you tell us about yourself and your experience in motorsport for people who may not know?

Well I started motor racing (off-road racing at this stage) when I was 11 because Dad was doing it at the time. I would race around with everyone else but was not able to compete in a national championship until I was 15, at which time I won a national champs in the 1600cc class and won the Woodhill 100. I competed in Formula Ford and got Rookie of the Year in 1996.I won the Asian Formula 2000 in Subic Bay (in the Philippines). I also competed in Formula 3 for a year, went on to tarmac and group N rallying. Then on to Midget cars and Formula Toyota, I have also had a few drives in V8 touring cars. Then I got into Drifting.

How did you get into drifting?

Enis (Ian “Chromie” Sheppard – Mad Mike’s lead mechanic) was building Jairus “JT” Wharerau’s car, we went to an event with him and I just got hooked from there.

Which has been your favourite discipline?

They’ve all got their good points but Midget cars because it’s just animalistic and Drifting because it’s just good fun.

What street cars do you have?

My Work hack (Holden ute), a NZ new 1981 S2 RX 7 that I’m restoring, A 1982 japanese import S2 Rx7 and a 1960’s MK 2 Jaguar which I inherited from my grandfather.

What race cars do you have?

Ginger and Goldie (his 2 FD3S Rx7 drift cars) and a 2 seat Formula 3 car.

Which of your race cars is your favourite to drive?

I can’t decide as they’re all different to drive but I’m really looking forward to getting Goldie reliable.

What’s your favourite drift track here in NZ?

Ruapuna because it’s long and technical, Manfield is good because of its banked layout which allows you to really throw the car in, Pukekohe because of the speed and how it narrows into the sweeper and Taupo because of the reverse layout and how it flows.

Which NZ driver do you hate coming up against?

I have to say Gaz (Whiter) is the hardest, but I seem to always end up having re-runs with Cole (Armstrong) , And it gets hard when you face a slower car as you risk having some straight line.

Which driver do you hate coming up against overseas?

No-one really you just have to be on your A-game no matter what, but if I had to pick one driver it’d be Daigo Saito because he takes no prisoners.

What are your goals for this season?

To try and get our cars reliable and do a round without having a drama, so we can try and make it on the podium again, my goals are like everyone else’s try win the championship going to be a big ask as we had a real terrible first round and every point counts.

How important is it for you to have your family with you on race day?

It would be unusual to not have them around as my family has been involved in my racing since day one and it would be weird without them.

What do you think of Formula Drift in the USA?

It’s a good show everyone’s super competitive and there are factory backed teams, it’s always been one of my goals in motorsport to compete in the States so hopefully I get to do that with drifting.

What’s your dream car?

Too many to list.

Do you have anyone that you would like to thank?

NAC insurance, Car Colours, Xtreme drift clutch,Dependable Global Express, Streetpro kits, Tyretech, TEIN, Bardahl, Link, Al’s Mufflers, Goodyear Tyres, Pace Pools

Mum & Dad, Shaneo, Cougar, and all of my friends and family I have forgotten to mention for their support.