Some of the biggest names in professional drifting are headed to New Zealand to take part in a new event masterminded by world-renowned Auckland-based international "Mad Mike" Whiddett and energy drink maker Red Bull.
"Think of it as a giant pinball machine for drift cars," says Whiddett of Red Bull Drift Shifters, an event set to transform a section of Victoria St West in Auckland's CBD into an automotive action-sport take on an arcade classic.
"The initial concept for the event was to create something based on drifting, but at the same time is different, and most importantly, fun," Whiddett continues.
"Because drifting is a judged sport, at times it can be frustrating. What we're doing here is ruling out judges completely, and doing everything with computer-controlled sensors. "Originally we looked into running the event at a racetrack, but we really wanted to bring the sport to the people, and I'm really thankful that Red Bull has been able to make this happen right in the middle of Auckland city."
In much the same way that a stainless-steel ball shoots around a pinball board, drivers entering the Drift Shifters arena will rack up points based on their driving performances.