Drifting: 'Fanga' drifting to second title

Northland can hold its head up high when it comes to the world of drifting thanks to the likes of past champions Dan Woolhouse, Gaz Whiter, Jairus Wharerau and Justin Rood.

All past champions of the increasingly-popular D1NZ Championship, these local heroes have not only contributed hugely to that popularity but have been very successful in it on a national and also international level.

Woolhouse, better known as "Fanga Dan" - a name given to him by his mates in New Plymouth, considered to be a twin city to Whangarei in the drifting scene - is currently on the top of the points table with just one round remaining in the championship after round five at Christchurch over the weekend.

After Woolhouse led the series for most of the season, a couple of unfortunate rounds for him has closed the gap between himself and Aucklander Mike Whiddett, resulting in what will no doubt be an exciting finale when the impressive field of drivers from around New Zealand embark on Pukekohe Raceway in a month.

With Wharerau, Whiter, Rood and Woolhouse all taking their turns as D1NZ Champions since the series' inception in 2003, and Whiter taking it twice already, with Woolhouse we could have another multiple champion in our midst.

Woolhouse just needs a good solid round at Pukekohe to hold off a hard-charging Whiddett to claim his second title.

Opting to compete in a V8 Holden Commodore, which he admits makes it a little more difficult for himself compared to the lighter turbo powered cars he used in the past, he will be hoping to have put all his bad luck behind him for the final and to clinch that title once more.

A driver I will be keeping an eye on in the upcoming seasons of D1NZ is Robee Nelson who has turned his back on a background in rallying to pursue a career in drifting.

Brother to popular local rally driver Kirsty Nelson, and son of long-standing member of the Northland Car Club, Peter Nelson, this young man has the heritage to do well in motorsport whichever genre he chooses.

Entering into motorsport by way of his local car club, this young man was behind the wheel as soon as he could see over the dashboard.

He also honed his racing skills at the Whangarei Kart Club in Austin Rd which has a club day this weekend, and I cannot stress enough the value of this local facility.

This is a place for anybody who has an inkling of petrol and speed in their veins.