Pukekohe Park will hold another final motorsport event next year

In a shock move, Pukekohe Park is holding a one-off ‘final’ motorsport event next year. It will host the D1NZ National Drifting Championship. A deal was negotiated with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing to use part of the circuit for a drift event on February 13-15, 2026.

Pukekohe Park closed as a motor racing circuit in 2023 as the owners wanted to focus on thoroughbred racing activities.

The one-off deal means drifting will be able to farewell Pukekohe Park for the last time. It will say goodbye to one of the world’s quickest corners in drifting, with the fastest cars reaching speeds of up to 200km/h.

The three-day event involves Pro Sport on Friday, Pro on Saturday, and a ‘Champions Showcase’ on Sunday.

D1NZ executive James McManaway, told the Speed Cafe team: “We’re proud to have the opportunity to bring D1NZ back to where it all began.

“This venue helped shape the identity of drifting in New Zealand. Returning to Pukekohe Park for one final celebration – with Turn 1 as the centrepiece – is something truly special.

“We’re grateful to the team at Pukekohe Park and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing for their support in making this farewell happen.”

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s CEO Paul Wilcox recognised the facility’s cultural significance.

“While Pukekohe Park is now focused on thoroughbred racing, we recognise the cultural significance of this moment for the drifting community.

“We’re supporting this one-off event on a commercial basis. It provides a chance for a respectful farewell to the motorsport drifting community at the venue.”

Among the attractions will be live music, fan zones, and Monster Truck demonstrations. There will also be car displays, kids’ activities, and a Sunday market.

And there will be a memory wall celebrating the circuit’s role in local drifting.

Since motorsport activities ceased, the owners have looked at redeveloping the site for residential and commercial use.