[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/who-is-mad-mike\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/who-is-mad-mike\/","headline":"A Crazed Drift King: Who is Mad Mike?","name":"A Crazed Drift King: Who is Mad Mike?","description":"You\u2019ve heard the nickname, now you\u2019re going to learn just why \u2018Mad Mike\u2019 is such a big deal! \u2018Mad Mike\u2019 has been rocking the drifting world since 2006 and over the years you are sure to have seen him, or at least his collection of incredible cars, putting on an amazing show. Ever since he was a child, this fearless New Zealander has been a thrill-seeker and it all started with motocross racing at the age of 6. This was […]","datePublished":"2019-07-22","dateModified":"2019-07-22","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Mad-Mike-drift-king-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Mad-Mike-drift-king-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/who-is-mad-mike\/","about":["Cars","LATEST CAR NEWS","MOTORSPORT","Sports, Performance & Prestige Cars"],"wordCount":373,"keywords":["drift kings","drifting","Mad Mike"],"articleBody":"You\u2019ve heard the nickname, now you\u2019re going to learn just why \u2018Mad Mike\u2019 is such a big deal!\u2018Mad Mike\u2019 has been rocking the drifting world since 2006 and over the years you are sure to have seen him, or at least his collection of incredible cars, putting on an amazing show. Ever since he was a child, this fearless New Zealander has been a thrill-seeker and it all started with motocross racing at the age of 6. This was followed by BMW competitions, pro FMX and then, you guessed it, drifting. Now an ambassador for the sport, Mike Whiddettis a natural showman, backed by Red Bull and many other huge brands, and thissuperstar \u2018Drift King\u2019 is showing no signs of slowing. Mike has enjoyed much success in his career and his was the first ever Motorsport New Zealand award for \u2018Outstanding Achievement\u2019 to go to a New Zealand drift driver. Wondering how he came to be known as \u2018Mad Mike\u2019? Well, that would be because he loves to create unique, high-powered (we\u2019re talking 1,000bhp plus) machines and push them to their limits on the track. As long as its \u2018loud, fast and dangerous\u2019, he\u2019ll take it for a spin! He enjoys drifting so much, he has created his own event called the Red Bull Drift Shifters, where drivers are scored based on sensors that are triggered around the course. Mike then went on to win said event in Auckland in 2014, as well as taking the trophy in various races all over the world including Formula Drift Japan (2018). He has raced a selection of custom racers,with each one being his own \u2018dream car\u2019 and they never fail to blow the mindsof the crowds that gather to watch him compete. Mike\u2019s creations are so special that they canbe seen in famous video games such as \u2018Need for Speed\u2019, giving us all a tinyglimpse into what it might be like to actually sit behind the wheel of one ofthese beasts. As if his skill as a driver and knack forcrafting champion race cars wasn\u2019t enough, Mike is also known for being anamazing entertainer, so keep an eye out for his next appearance!"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"A Crazed Drift King: Who is Mad Mike?","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/who-is-mad-mike\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]