Motorsport: Dunedin stadium converts to drifting track

Forsyth Barr Stadium is being converted into a drifting track. Photo / Simon Chapman

Work is continuing on Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium ahead of the first round of the Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship-with the final touches to the track nearing completion.

Barriers, banners, and signage are just a few of the last pieces to fall into place as the D1NZ crew work into the night.

With the first official session of the 2016-'17 championship less than two-days away, D1NZ Category Manager Brendon White said he's excited to see what the first round on a completely new track will bring out in the competition.

"The drivers are happy, which makes us happy," said White. "Fanga Dan was down here earlier on, he said the track was epic and was stoked that it's in just in such an awesome environment.

"With it being the first round, a lot of people will be out for blood. It's an untested track, so there'll be a lot of nerves in front of so many people. The pressure will really be on come qualifying.

"Fanga seems to think it'll be quite slippery and quite a cool surface to drift on."

A number of drivers and teams got their first look at the concrete circuit, which is set to get its first taste of testing in Thursday afternoon's scrub session - media rides take place soon after.

2015-'16 Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship runner-up, Nico Reid, said the Forsyth Barr Stadium circuit takes the first round to another level.

"Brendon and the D1NZ crew have definitely pulled it off," said Reid. "They've exceeded my expectations that's for sure.

"After being here and seeing it, I can't wait to get out there. We're always charging hard, and obviously you always want to be on top or thereabouts

Reid said he's amped heading into the first round, and after a successful 2015-'16 season, the South Auckland slider is keen to make his mark over the weekend.

"I'm here to stick it to the wall this weekend and put on a show. I didn't come down here for nothing. To get a good kickstart to the season would be great."

"It's going to be quite noisy, but if you're into drifting you'd love that stuff wouldn't you.

The Silver Fern Rally contingent of classic and modern rally cars arrived at the stadium for the overnight service park. Their event will continue over Thursday, and Friday, before returning Friday night for their Bent Sprint Rally showdown.

Work on the dirt track inside and out of the circuit continued today, with a heavily cambered corners and high flying jumps just an additional aspect of the mixed-surface circuit.