FANGA DAN
...Daniel Woolhouse...
Daniel Woolhouse
Age: 34
Home Town: Hastings
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A sign writer
What made you interested in cars and drifting? Growing up my father owned a car yard, I spent a lot of time there during the school holidays. He has owned every car you could ever imagine. My step brother is quite a bit older than me, he owned some sick cars over the years too, from a young age I admired their passion for cars.
I suppose I was born and bred into the automotive industry so its in my blood. From a young age I would spend hours pulling my trikes apart, I would borrow the neighbours kids plastic wheels off their trikes to put on the back of my trike so I could go drifting down our driveway, thats when my sideways antics began.
From that,How did you get to where you are now? I got my licence and started mucking around with cars, I would spend most weekends with like minded mates, we would change wheels, buy, sell and swap cars. I loved It, I look back most of my favourite memories were during these years.
The drifting side of things we used to watch Option dvds. Drifting was huge in Japan, this would add fuel to our fire so we decided to start taking our rear wheel drive cars to the track. A group of good mates formed "Driftcorp" and then the NZ drifting series D1NZ was born.
This year will mark my 15th year of competing in D1NZ. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my sponsors backing me and believing in my crazy ideas to build the race cars I have. My support network, Nicole and Kade help everywhere possible behind the scenes whether it's towing the car to the track or picking up race fuel or car parts they have it covered. My crew, who spend many hours in the workshop behind the scenes repairing bits and pieces, as well as the general maintenance side of things. It's crucial to have a supportive team behind you.
Whats the fastest speed you have driven in any type of vehicle? Not 100% sure as we don't have speedo's in our race cars, but I was clocked by a speed gun on the Pukekohe sweeper doing 206kph
Most memorable moment in your career? Winning the D1NZ National drifting Championship in both 2006 & 2013
Biggest challenge in your career? Building cars that aren't already developed in the NZ drifting scene.
Who is your favourite driver? Vaughn Gittin Jr
Whats the best part about what you do? I love taking first timers out for a hot lap, the smile on their face says it all. Plus it's a bonus
being able to compete in a sport where my good mates and family can get involved.
What would you say to anyone out there that is wanting to get into a career with drifting?
Head to open track days, theres plenty on in Auckland,
cars, I would spend most weekends with like minded mates, we would change wheels, buy, sell and swap cars. I loved It, I look back most of my favourite memories were during these years.
The drifting side of things we used to watch Option dvds. Drifting was huge in Japan, this would add fuel to our fire so we decided to start taking our rear wheel drive cars to the track. A group of good mates formed "Driftcorp" and then the NZ drifting series D1NZ was born.
How long have you been drifting?
This year will mark my 15th year of competing in D1NZ.
Who are your biggest supporters?
I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my sponsors backing me and believing in my crazy ideas to build the race cars I have. My support network, Nicole and Kade help everywhere possible behind the scenes whether it's towing the car to the track or picking up race fuel or car parts they have it covered. My crew, who spend many hours in the workshop behind the scenes repairing bits and pieces, as well as the general maintenance side of things. It's crucial to have a supportive team behind you.
Whats the fastest speed you have driven in any type of vehicle? Not 100% sure as we don't have speedo's in our race cars, but I was clocked by a speed gun on the Pukekohe sweeper doing 206kph
Most memorable moment in your career? Winning the D1NZ National drifting Championship in both 2006 & 2013
Biggest challenge in your career? Building cars that aren't already developed in the NZ drifting scene.
Who is your favourite driver? Vaughn Gittin Jr
Whats the best part about what you do? I love taking first timers out for a hot lap, the smile on their face says it all. Plus it's a bonus
being able to compete in a sport where my good mates and family can get involved.
What would you say to anyone out there that is wanting to get into a career with drifting?
Head to open track days, theres plenty on in Auckland,