Xtreme driver Gaz Whiter takes out 2nd spot at the Final Round of the D1NZ Series

Xtreme-Clutch sponsored driver Gaz Whiter (Tectaloy LS-Powered Nissan S14) has narrowly missed out on winning a record fifth-straight D1NZ title as the championship came to a close.

The 2015 D1NZ Grand Final was held at Pukekohe Park Raceway after a 3 year hiatus from what is considered to be the birthplace of drifting in New Zealand. After a long 3 year battle to bring the series back to the spiritual home of drift, competitors rejoiced when the track was announced as the final round with one of the fastest drift sections in the world, with car speeds reaching over 200kmph into the infamous Pukekohe sweeper.

Gaz Whiter came into the final round sitting 5th in the Championship with some positive results through the season along with some hard fought battles. Gaz was considered a favourite at the infamous Pukekohe along with several other drivers who’ve driven there in the past including team mate “Fanga Dan” Woolhouse, Cole Armstrong and Curt Whittaker. The Series standings leading into the final round meant that pending on finishing results up to 6 drivers remained in contention for the series win including Darren Kelly, Curt Whittaker, Andrew Redward, “Fanga Dan” Woolhouse, Gaz Whiter and Cole Armstrong.

After some long and hard fought battles, Gaz showed experience and some at the track thought Gaz had lost his mind with 180KMPH+ entry speeds into the notoriously fast turn 1. After much carnage and only a field of 18 drivers able to progress into battles it was a messy finish to a huge D1NZ Series. Gaz progressed through the Top 16, Top 8 and Top 4 battles with a final against the eventual Series winner Darren Kelly. Gaz narrowly lost the battle to finish the series in 3rd position.