"Mad" Mike Whiddett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mike Whiddett |
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_Madbul_RX7.JPG)
Whiddett's Mazda RX-7
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| Nationality |  New Zealander |
| Born | 10 January 1981 Auckland, New Zealand |
| Formula Drift | |
| Years active | 2010, 2015–2016 |
| Previous series | |
| 2015 | Stadium Super Trucks |
| Championship titles | |
| 2018 | Formula Drift Japan Series |
Michael Brandon Whiddett, born on January 10, 1981, is a famous drifting racer from New Zealand. He is known by his cool nickname, "Mad Mike". Mike is sponsored by Red Bull, a well-known energy drink company. Before he became a drifting star, Mike also raced motocross bikes. He started riding when he was just six years old and even placed second in a big New Zealand motocross championship in 1997.
Mike's Amazing Drift Cars
Mike Whiddett has a special connection with Mazda cars. He has been drifting in cars with Mazda engines since he started in 2007. Each of his unique cars has a special name!
- NIMBUL: This is a Lamborghini Huracan that looks super cool with a special body kit. It makes about 800 to 900 horsepower!
- MADBUL: This car is a Mazda RX-7. It has a special 26B quad rotor engine, which means it has four spinning parts inside that make it go super fast. In 2017, MADBUL got a new look, combining parts from an RX-3 car. It was then called MADBUL 7.3.
- BADBUL: This car is a Mazda RX-8 with a 20B three rotor turbo engine. A turbocharger helps the engine make even more power!
- HUMBUL: Another Mazda FD RX-7, this one also has a 26B quad rotor engine, but it has two turbochargers!
- RADBUL: This car is a Mazda MX-5. It also has a 26B quad rotor engine with two turbochargers.
- RADBUL Gen2: This is an updated version of the RADBUL, using parts from a newer ND MX-5 car.
- RUMBUL: This is a special Stadium Super Truck based on a Mazda B2000 pickup truck. It has a 13B twin rotor engine.
- Mazda 787D: This is a custom drift car that looks like the famous Mazda 787B race car. It has the world's first 5-rotor engine!
- MADMAC: A custom McLaren 650S with a unique body kit and a 20B three rotor engine.
- BULLET: This is a newer car, a 2022 Mazda3 (BP), fitted with a powerful 26B quad rotor engine.
Mike also owns a Mazda REPU pickup truck with a 13B twin rotor engine, which he calls PITBUL. And he has a Mazda Luce Sedan, named MADCAB, which can carry up to three passengers for a fun ride!
Mike's current big project is a 2022 Mazda 3 (BP). This car is being built to have a quad rotor Wankel engine with an incredible 1,200 horsepower! He is getting it ready to race in the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a challenging race up a mountain.
Mike's Racing Adventures
Mike Whiddett has competed in many exciting races around the world. He raced in Formula Drift in the United States in 2010, 2015, and 2016. In 2010, he was even named the Most Improved Driver! He also competed in Formula D Asia and Formula D Japan. He made history by becoming the first professional Mazda driver to win a professional drifting championship.
Mike has also tried off-road racing. In 2015, he raced in a Stadium Super Trucks event. He got this chance after meeting the series founder, Robby Gordon. Mike drove a truck and finished fourth in one race.
Big Wins and Achievements
- In 2009, Mike finished first at Wonder World Amusement Park in the Formula Drift Asia series.
- He won the Formula Drift Japan Series championship in 2018.
- In 2017, he finished first at Okuibuki Motorsports Park in Formula Drift Japan.
- In 2016, he finished first at Ebisu Circuit West Course in Formula Drift Japan.
- In 2014, Mike was the first drift driver from New Zealand to receive a special award for his amazing achievements in motorsports.
- In 2015, he had his best finish in the Formula Drift series, coming in fifth place at Irwindale.
