New Zealand drifting sensation ‘Mad Mike’ Whiddett has unveiled his, and his son Lincoln Whiddett’s, latest vehicular creation; a custom Mazda MX-5 drift car.
The car features numerous references to cars past and present in the drifting family’s ever expanding fleet. It sports digital camouflage similar to that which featured on the first iteration of Mad Mike’s first drift car, ‘FURSTY’, which later became the car known today as ‘MADBUL’.
Mechanically, the MX-5 features a Winters Quickchange differential, different mufflers, and naturally a two-rotor 12a Bridgeport engine under the bonnet. Other changes include Rotiform wheels, stretched Toyo tyres, and a cage.
It’s set to make its public debut at this weekend’s Big Boys Toys event at ASB Showgrounds, meaning that fans can witness the work up close and personal. It will sit next to Mad Mike’s latest drift weapon; his ‘SLAMBO” Lamborghini Huracan.
In sharing the first images of the completed MX-5, Formula Drift Japan champion Whiddett noted the emotional significance of the build — particularly given that he has never met his own father.
“Definitely the most fun project of my entire fleet,” said Whiddett. “The [dollar] figure of a project or what the base is means nothing, it’s the fun, creativity, blood and sweat that goes into it.
“For me making the most of the 2020 situation not being able to travel out of New Zealand made this dream become reality — the dream of father son bonding and enjoying times together. I never have meet my father so this was the best and an emotional build for me.”
Lincoln Whiddett is far from a stranger to competitive driving. He’s a regular KiwiTruck Trophy Kart competitor, and also rides in motocross. Already he has over 50,000 followers on Instagram, and is an ambassador for companies like Toyo Tyres and Hot Wheels.
Have been a fan of Mike since seeing him in action with his mazda wagon at burnout comps and in NZ performance car mag . So happy to see how far he has come and wrapped to see his son following in dads treadmarks .