DMNZ Queens Birthday Drifting

DMNZ (Drift Motorsport NZ) have a lot to be proud of when it comes to drifting in NZ, Since stepping into the game some 5 years ago the team have run countless track days, seen 1000′s of tires destroyed, probably the occasional car wrecked and perhaps most importantly would be counted by many drivers as their first stepping stone into the world of sideways action.

I headed down on Monday to have a quick catch up with a few people, and while I was there got to see everything from entry level drivers who were just mastering basics, to International competitor Daynom Templeman who was on track shaking down “Goldie”, his 20b methanol snorting monster RX7 which departs on Friday for Asia. Other familiar faces included Robee Nelson, who was also seen playing in the family’s evo rally car, Stu Baker, Vince Hopkins, Jake “da mus” ~~Hakaria~~ Heke , Shane Allen and the likes of Cole Armstrong giving advice and helping out mates with the basics. Craig Marsden and the Marsden Motorsport ute were also rumoured to be hitting the track.

It would be fair to say the Templeman team have battled this car, and were late withdrawal from the recent North vs South challenge due to a pesky gremlin that turned out to be as usual a small part of limited value that just wasn’t working properly. Head Honcho of Dobson Dyno Tune, Ross Honnor was on duty keeping an eye on the HP monster as it was put through its paces by a guy who would without a doubt be one of NZ’s most experienced and certainly versatile drivers. Daynom spent several sessions on track and came back in pronouncing the car to be strong and ready to head offshore for battle. The car is looking good with regular sponsors Bardahl still on board, and new rubber for the Asia series care of Achillies. Will be interesting to get some feedback from Daynom as to how he finds the 123S semi slick, as all top end FD Asia cars run semi slick rubber all round. I note that Moa brewery are also on board which no doubt the crew are enjoying, while Massive Inc still provide Slim’s casual wear.

Another car I always enjoy watching is the Tanefa v2.0, Niko Reid and his team are never hard to find with the loudest laughs and cursing always coming from the same area…..and all “aunties” welcome to come and visit. Nico was charging hard and is really at home now with the 15, and will be looking to deliver on last seasons strong finish in the coming season. Nico was another to be testing semi slicks on the day, which will be of interest to other drivers who are contemplating off season changes.

For me, this is probably the beauty of drifting, it is accessible and largely about guys and girls getting out there and having fun.

Keeping it brief with this post, and a huge thanks to Erron “Osiris” Soon for supplying me a few images

More can be found in his gallery here. LINK

If you’re interested in learning more about DMNZ, or how to get involved, then get hold of Drew or Jodie at DMNZ via their FB page http://www.facebook.com/groups/118672814217/ or contact Drew@driftmotorsport.co.nz.