Drifting: Cole Armstrong wins national crown

Cole Armstrong has won the 2016-17 Demon Energy D1NZ title. Photo / File

Tauranga's Cole Armstrong is the 2016-17 Demon Energy D1NZ champion after he won the round and captured the title in emphatic style at South Auckland's Pukekohe Park on the weekend.

After seven years of trying, Armstrong defeated seasoned series racer Daynom Templeman in the final battles, cheered on over commentary by his mother, Leanne Armstrong.

"We had a goal at the start of the year, and we've just achieved it," a jubilant Armstrong said after his win.

"I'm absolutely over the moon. These people standing behind me have put their heart and soul into it just as much as I have and it paid off. Seven years we've been waiting to get here, and we've finally got it.

"To take out the round win too is just magical."

Armstrong leapt out ahead of Jerry Zhu in their first top-16 run and was handed the easy run into the top eight after Zhu straight-lined the course. He then continued his charge through to the top-eight as he swept past Troy Jenkins.

The final battles were set - Armstrong and Daynom Templeman battled for the win, while Nico Reid and Joe Marshall scrapped for the final podium spot.

Reid looked odds-on to win the battle for third until he went too hot into turn two, skating off the track into turn three, handing Marshall the third for the round.

In the final battle of the weekend, Armstrong faced Templeman for outright honours.

Armstrong led Templeman in the first battle and was judged to have clipped every zone.

As he chased Templeman, he struggled to see through the smoke coming from the 1000 horsepower BMW M3. However, he made it out the other side having hit all the clips the judges desired, while running close to the rear of his rival.

The judges duly gave Armstrong overall victory and with it the 2016-17 Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship.