Dargaville driver and New Zealand drifting champion Garry "Gaz" Whiter is all set to take on the world's best in California.
Thanks to some generous donations from the Kaipara and Whangarei public - and a shipping delay - Garry has been able to commit to November's World Drifting Championships.
Last week the
Northern Advocate ran a story saying the 23-year-old "Drift King" was unlikely to contest the event because of the huge costs involved.
He was to have paid for his spot in a shared container with another New Zealand drifting driver, Mike Whiddett, by last Friday - but was desperately short of funds.
His mother Vicky said after the story ran several people offered donations, helping tremendously towards booking and paying the $10,000 freight.
The fact that the ship broke down and was delayed in Sydney for an extra week helped even further.
Yesterday Garry and his mechanic father Tony were making the 18-hour drive to Christchurch to compete in round three of the Stihl Vodka Series, the first test run for his new car.
"We have been very touched by public generosity, all of which has come from people who have no connection to the sport but want to encourage a local lad to do well internationally," Mrs Whiter said.
Friends and family are still hard at work seeking the additional sponsorship needed for the trip. The car will leave on October 1 for the mid-November event.
• If you can help Garry in his quest, call Tony Whiter on (09) 439 6759.
