Cole has been a strong driver in the D1NZ Pro field since he began competitive drifting 10 years ago, and being backed by V Energy for all this time is a testament to his consistant delivery of skills on-track. Cole has plenty of trophies in the cabinet and is back again for 2019 to see if he can make it as Drift King three years in a row.

His drifting career began when he had decided he wanted to get involved in something a bit different, and after watching the first 'High Octane' video with drifting, he thought it was the best thing he’d ever seen. That was that - he sold his car, bought an R32 street and track car, before moving into the R34 chassis that he still competes in today (alongside his second chassis, the 250GT).

Though Cole has competed in World Time Attack Australia and over in D1GP China, he classes his best achievement so far as winning back to back D1NZ Championships (2017 + 2018), and as our current Drift King we are stoked to have him back to defend the title in 2019.

This season Cole is looking forward to working with Darren Kelly more on car set up and honing their skills together, taking their cars to the next level and showing a new version of a team and cars - make sure you don't miss any of the action by following his campaign at https://www.facebook.com/ColeArmstrongDrift/ and of course grab your tickets to get trackside by clicking the link below:

Andy Donoghue:

Andy competed last year in the Pro-Sport category and has locked in his second season. Like a lot of people, Andy originally built himself an RB-powered C33 Laurel but when the car got a bit too "fun" for the street he took it to the track. The last 4 years have seen him progress from skid-pad days, all the way through to his second season now of D1NZ, with the same C33 Laurel which is now powered by the stroked LS7.

Andy's favourite achievement is creating a viral video of a burnout, with over 800k views and reaching 2 million people. He's itching to get back out there with all the other drivers and put on a show for 2019, and Andy warns to expect even more commitment and rowdiness this season.

Kurt Blackie:

Kurt is about to enter his 2nd season of D1NZ Pro-Sport, competing in his 4 door R32 Skyline. He recalls attending his first D1NZ event as a spectator in 2009 with his old man and fell in love with the crazy sport. To enter at a competition level became a personal goal - to be that crazy driver, inches off the concrete walls and rubbing doors – and 10 years later it's now reality for him.

After taking a podium finish in his first year of competitive drifting, Kurt's thankful to have sponsors backing him and believing in his driving as well which is pushing him to strive for more results this year. Going into the 2019 season fans should expect to see the same door-knocking driving style with all new added flare. He's looking forward to getting out there and putting on a show for the fans because that's what these events all about.

Follow him at www.facebook.com/KurtBlackieDrift 

Russell Vare:

Russell is a new-comer to the D1NZ competition this year alongside team-mate Matthew Brown, making up R&M Motorsport, and he has been building an impressive looking LS-powered RX7 for his competition debut.

Growing up he was always into Motorsport and in the last few years decided to get a drift car. Russ has caught the drift-bug and that has lead to him jumping in and giving D1NZ a try.

He's looking forward to his first season and competing with one of his best mates as team-mate, and he knows that if he and Matt come up against each other during competition it will be a good show to watch because neither will back down.

He considers the new RX7 build as his biggest achievement to date having built 95% of it himself, and with so many hours, blood sweat & tears on the line let's hope that he can keep it off the walls during its first outing at BayPark – yes a concrete jungle debut for both Russ & the new car!

Keep up with his season at https://www.facebook.com/R-M-Motorsport-230805874336955/ 

Adam Camplin:

This will be Adam's first season competiting in D1NZ, driving a teal-green FC RX7 that he bought earlier this year. The FC (running a 1.2JZ & Jerico box) has competed in D1NZ under a few different drivers in previous seasons, though the colour is new and sure to stand-out. Adam comes from a background of BMX & FMX, but those sports brought injuries which were getting in the way of his work as a roofer. With the safety of a roll-cage & helmet, he decided to give drifting a go - which gave just as much of a rush but with the protective gear results in less injuries, so he was hooked. He has been a regular at track days since.

Before picking up with the FC, Adam had another stand-out car that he started drifting in, an RB30et powered VL-wagon. His best achievement to date was in the commodore, being voted 'Best Drifter' at a Power-Cruise event.

For his first competition season Adam is looking forward to putting on a show for the fans with his aggressive driving style and wants to get up on that podium. Look out for the FC with its stand-out livery and follow him for updates at https://www.facebook.com/adamcamplindrift/

The Pro-Sport competition kicks-off alongside the D1NZ Pro-Championship next month, be at BayPark Mount Maunganui on 12-13th January 2019 for all the action!

Click the link right here to grab your tickets now and don't forget 20% of the total ticket sale goes to your nominated driver.

Ben Wilkinson has locked in his 2019 season and his chance to chase the title.

 Ben is an Auckland-based Burger Wisconsin owner who competes in the Pro class of D1NZ.

A petrol-head from a young age, he learnt to drive in hilux in a paddock in Kerikeri and first went on to try drifting on-track at age 18.  

 Ben first entered the Pro-Sport series in 2014 in an S13 and stepped up to Pro in 2016, now running a 800hp stroked RB Silvia.

 His best achievement was taking 3rd place at Pukekohe in the final of the 2018 season, which was his second podium of the season.

 In 2019 he is most looking forward to scrubbing walls at Baypark, his favourite venue. Let’s hope he can grab another trophy too!

Click the link right here to grab your tickets now and don't forget 20% of the total ticket sale goes to your nominated driver.

Stay up to date with Benji via

Website: https://www.wilkinsonmotorsport.co.nz/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WilkinsonMotorsport/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wilkinsonmotorsport/