Drifting
'Mad' Mike lets four BULS out of the stable
Testing both man and machine at Summer Bash
'Mad' Mike Whiddett hosted the Summer Bash on Saturday February 18, bringing the drifting community together across a new racing format at New Zealand's premium motorsport circuit, Hampton Downs.
From the grassroots of the sport to the pros, 'Mad' Mike talks us through what went down at the drifting festival in a photo story below -
'Mad' Mike's fleet at Summer Bash
© Graeme Murray
I got to sit back and watch the BULS roll by in formation as a part of the International Cruise on track. Watching them all roll by, I felt like a proud dad watching his kids at play, there they are a product of my creation - at that moment I realized the extent of what I have achieved over the years.
'Mad' Mike with fans at Summer Bash
© Graeme Murray
The driver autograph session is one of my favorite moments as I get to meet and chat to fans, despite the forecast for rain all day the crowds turned up in numbers far exceeding my expectations.
'Mad' Mike during a battle at Summer Bash
© Graeme Murray
Here in this pic - this is what Summer Bash is all about, I had so much fun with these guys on track, jamming out with Jase Brown and taking passengers along. Earlier in the week he experienced engine issues and he worked around the clock to get it up and running for the Summer Bash. Thanks Jase for the extra effort.
'Mad' Mike at Summer Bash
© Graeme Murray
I'll stick to driving and leave the commentary to Jarod but even in the spirit of the event - after being knocked out of competition due to a mechanical I was still hyped as I had achieved my mission I set out to do, which was to have FUN. The guys threw it down and the action on track was world class!
'Mad' Mike battles in MADBUL
© Graeme Murray
There was more action after top 16 with open entry to anyone keen enough on the full new international course. The section being judged was right in front of the crowd and was about one insane entry on one corner. We got out in the MADBUL 7.3 and got alongside all levels of drivers.
'Mad' Mike burning rubber at Summer Bash
© Graeme Murray
"knock, knock!" Blazing in my top 16 Battle against Darren Kelly - This was killer
'Mad' Mike at Summer Bash
© Graeme Murray
Jarod Deanda 'the voice' came all the way from Arizona, USA to 'send it' on commentary duties as our MC along side Warren Sare. Jarod has the gift of the gab and is a natural on the mic, he's a genuine motorsport enthusiast so along with commentating he's dropping knowledge and making people laugh. I'm both a friend and a massive fan - Thank you Jarod
'Mad' Mike at Summer Bash
© Graeme Murray
The format of the day allowed lots of time for passenger rides, so this was a great opportunity for me to give back to our main event partner Mazda. Throughout the day I jumped between the BULS, the RX8 is the easiest to drive and it did not fail to deliver.
Final battle at Summer Bash
© Graeme Murray
I was SOOOO blown away watching these chase runs! Both Nico and Gaz were on form and these guys are such rad dudes on and off the track and speaking to them afterwards they had a blast and loved the vibe of the event which to me = mission accomplished!.
Podium at Summer Bash
© Graeme Murray
The best part about this event is that a grass roots driver Ian Mcshean threw down in his ROTANG DATSUN and took the biggest prize of the day in the Rotiform insane entry competition which was judged by myself, Ian embodied the spirit of the event - the Mad Mike Summer BASH is about FUN, he was having fun on track and we had just as much fun watching him throw down! 2nd went to Sloan Cox in his 4wd ex pikes peak hill climb Evo and 3rd went to Carl Ruiterman in his 4wd WRX.
Podium at Summer Bash
© Graeme Murray
The Nitto Tire Triple Threat award went to the "Ghost Busters" - As excitement levels grew, the event saw two late entries right as cars were called to the grid. These guys managed to pull out 3 super tight aggressive runs throughout the section. Each time hitting the section in a different order, getting the crowd hyped up n cheering.
Podium at Summer Bash
© Graeme Murray
Top 16 Super Class - saw Gaz Whiter return to the top step. His driving on track was flawless and I'm stoked that he enters the history books for taking out the first ever Top 16 Super Class. Nico Reid took home second, I'm a massive fan of Nico and his driving style and I wish him luck in the D1NZ the national series, 3rd went to Fanga Dan who left nothing on the table and displayed his usual foot to the floor aggressive style he's known for. Top show boys!
Watch 'The MAD Life' on Red Bull TV, February 22 at 9pm - redbull.tv/themadlife