Motorsport: Woolhouse primed for championship

Dan Woolhouse (lead car) will be putting his national title on the line when the D1NZ National Drifting Championship Series kicks off next month. Photo / Supplied

In just under a month, Northland's - and New Zealand's - best drifter will begin to defend his crown as the Cody's D1NZ National Drifting Championship Series revs into gear.

Whangarei's Dan Woolhouse, aka Fanga Dan, has been tinkering with his new drift machine over the off-season and will be looking forward to the November 16 start date.

Woolhouse will also be looking forward to the second round, which sees drifting return to Whangarei over December 14 and 15.

Before Northlanders get their drift fix though, the series heads to Hampton Downs. After the Hampton Downs round the title chase heads to Whangarei in December, Mount Maunganui in January, Taupo in February and Christchurch in April before returning north for a gala series finale at Pukekohe Park Raceway in May.

Lack of suitable dates means the usual season-opener at Feilding's Manfeild circuit is missing from this year's schedule.

The series roster has a host of internationally known and fan-friendly drivers to continue the large crowds experienced last year.

Last season, Whangarei drift folk hero Woolhouse was caught up in an epic battle for the title with the Auckland-based international "Mad Mike" Whiddett.

Joining Woolhouse on the roster is fellow Whangarei driver, and three-time former series champion, Gary "Gaz" Whiter.

Back for more, too, after a successful toe-in-the-water exercise last year, will be V8 Supercar and Super Tourer ace Shane van Gisbergen.

He will again share the high horsepower Federal Tyre-backed Ford Falcon V8 dubbed "The Rattla" with its owner, Shane Allen from Waiuku, this time at all the series rounds.

This season's Cody's D1NZ National Drifting Championship kicks off at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park with Pro-Am and D1 Pro practice on Saturday, November 16, with the main competition day on the Sunday.