Mad Mike Whiddett is relaxing at Hampton Downs, New Zealand on March 20, 2023
Mad Mike Whiddett poses for a portrait at Millbrook Proving Ground, UK on July 6 2023

Mike
Whiddett

New Zealand

New Zealand

·

Drifting

'Mad' Mike Whiddett lives for the thrill and adrenaline of drifting. As a result, he's always pushing both himself and his cars to the limits.

Date of birth

10 January 1981

Place of birth

New Zealand

Age

45

Nationality

New Zealand

New Zealand

Career start

2008

Discipline

Drift Racing

Coming from a motocross background, New Zealand-born Mike Whiddett made a major impact in the drift scene when he released his Red Bull-branded, specially-modified 515bhp ‘MADBUL’ Mazda RX-7 and then the rotary-engined 'BADBUL' RX-8.

Pursuing a passion for drifting

Having initially competed in pro FMX, Mike made the switch to drifting in 2006 and has enjoyed huge success as a professional drifter. He's competed in several pro-spec drift cars and has performed around the world. However, it is in his native New Zealand that he has amassed a huge following, especially in the drift community.
As a talented driver, he pushes both himself and his car to the limits every time he takes to the track. This was evident during his performance at the Red Bull World Drifting Championships in LA, where Mike made his way into the Great Eight. It was also fully on display in 2018 when he won the Formula Drift Japan championship.

Creating specialist drift cars

Another one of Mike's major passions is creating drift wondercars. In addition to the MADBUL and BADBUL, he was responsible for the 1,000bhp Mazda MX-5. Named RADBUL, it took the drifting world by storm in 2015.
Nine years later, Mike debuted the MADMAC, a 1,000hp rotary-powered McLaren drift hypercar that left fans at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in awe.

Showcasing his drifting skills to the world

In 2023, Mike also became the fastest Mazda and fastest rotary-powered car driver in Pikes Peak history, completing the course in 10:34.980.
In love with racing anything that’s loud, fast and dangerous, look out for Mike tearing it up on his next adventure.
Drifter Mike Whiddett performs during his Greek Tour in Sfakia, Greece.

Mike Whiddett demonstrating his skills in Sfakia, Greece

© Predrag Vuckovic/Red Bull Content Pool

Mike Whiddett relaxes during the Mad Mike Summer Bash at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park in Waikato, New Zealand.

Taking some time to relax at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park

© Graeme Murray/Red Bull Content Pool

Mad Mike seen during the Red Bull Tokyo Drift in Japan on March 21, 2026.

Posing up a storm at Red Bull Tokyo Drift

© Joerg Mitter/Red Bull Content Pool

Mad Mike Whiddett performs during Red Bull Cut It at the Fieldays in Mystery Creek in New Zealand.

Only Mad Mike could drift on a modified mower

© Graeme Murray/Red Bull Content Pool

Mad Mike unleashes the RADBUL

© Larry Chen/Red Bull Content Pool

Mad Mike gets to grips with the Franschhoek Pass

© Kolesky/Nikon/Red Bull Content Pool