The best Kiwi and international drifters will be lighting up ASB Baypark Stadium with the return of the annual Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship, which kicks off today.

The event promises to be one of high octane entertainment and adrenaline fuelled fist pumping fun in Mount Maunganui.

American drifting superstar Ryan Tuerck (white car) is one of 60 international and Kiwi drivers competing in this weekend's Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship at ASB Baypark Stadium. Photo: Supplied

The two-day event is the championship's only night event, with more than 60 competitors taking to the tight and technical circuit on Saturday evening.

D1NZ media manager Kenny Ruddell says all the drivers and their crews are pumped and can't wait to shred it up at Baypark.

'It's always such a great atmosphere in Tauranga and there's always a huge interest as the last two years we've sold out,” says Kenny.

'All the drivers are really excited for this weekend, and by bring the round forward to January there also a great summer vibe to the event.”

Taking to Baypark circuit will be a number of Tauranga drivers including Cole Armstrong, Drew Donovan, Adam Davies, Dave Steedman, Calvin Clark and top female drifter Jodie Verhulst.

The event will also have a strong international flavour to it too with top Australian drifter Michael Prosenik and American superstar drifter Ryan Tuerck competing.

Kenny says Tuerck is expected to be a big draw card for the event and says the high profile American drifter is similar to Kiwi driver Made Mike Whiddett in terms of his appeal.

'Ryan's just a drift superstar, so to have someone like him come to New Zealand to compete is pretty special.

'He's looking forward to this weekend and shredding it with the Kiwis, his driving style is pretty unique and I think the fans will definitely like what they see.”

American drifter Ryan Tuerck. Photo: Supplied

Kenny adds there's also been plenty of hype leading up to this weekend's event, thanks in part to a promotional video which features a number of high profile Kiwi drifters.

Since being uploaded to Youtube it's been viewed more than 30,000 times.

'There's a scene where Jodie Verhulst's a street racer drifting circles around Cole Armstrong and Calvin Clark. There were heaps of laughs while making the video, it was pretty light hearted clip and it's been really brilliant for us,” says Kenny.

This weekend fans will also be treated to new cars, new drivers, a Demon Energy Freestyle FMX Show, car Show ‘n' Shine, a kids' zone, Trade Stands, Free Pit-Walk and door to door battle action at one of the country's most exciting drift sections.

After Round One of the championship held at Manfield in November, Whangarei's Fanga Dan Woolhouse leads the chaHigbmpionship from Curt Whittaker and Cole Armstrong.

The Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship takes place at ASB Baypark Stadium this Friday and Saturday, January 8-9.

Gates open 10.30am Friday and 11am Saturday. Gate tickets cost from $15 on Friday and $25 on Saturday. For more information or to purchase tickets online visit: d1nz.com

Tauranga drifter Jodie Verhulst. Photo: Supplied