Mad Mike takes over Hampton Downs for Summer Bash
New Zealand drift icon Mad Mike is bringing the country’s biggest tyre-shredding celebration back to Hampton Downs on Saturday Decemeber 6.
The annual event has become one of the most anticipated dates on the motorsport calendar, drawing thousands of fans to the Waikato for a full day of drift action, showcases, competitions, and family-friendly entertainment.
Known as “Mad Mike,” Mike Whiddett has been a key figure in motorsport for almost two decades. Starting with motocross at age six and later moving into freestyle motocross, Mike eventually shifted into drifting in 2007. Since then, he has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of the sport, both in New Zealand and internationally, competing in countries including Japan, South Africa, Australia, and the United States.
Mad Mike launched Summer Bash in 2017 as an end-of-year celebration for New Zealand’s drifting community. What began as a smaller gathering with drifting, cruising and fan interaction quickly grew into one of the most anticipated events in the sport. Hosted at Hampton Downs, the event mixes high-energy drift showcases with an open, community-friendly vibe, giving fans access to drivers and insane builds.
The success of the North Island event eventually sparked a South Island counterpart, Southern Bash, held at Highlands Motorsport Park. Offering similar drifting sessions, show-and-shine displays, circuit cruising and fan competitions, Southern Bash gives southern fans their own chance to experience Whiddett’s signature full-throttle festival without heading north.
This year’s lineup features some of Whiddett’s most iconic machines, including the MADMAC McLaren, the FURSTY RX-3 wagon, and a one-of-one custom 787D a drift-ready twist on the iconic Mazda 787B all set to drift and cruise the circuit throughout the day.
The day is set to be action packed. The day’s programme will feature the Top 16 Drift Superclass, Summer Bash Skid King, Gymkhana, open drifting and circuit cruising, Hard Park and RC drifting
This year, organisers have confirmed that all ticket holders will go into a draw to win laps on track with Mad Mike, giving fans the opportunity to ride alongside the drifting driver during the event.
Mad Mike’s Summer Bash continues to showcase New Zealand’s drifting community, combining professional competition with opportunities for enthusiasts to participate and observe. Past events have drawn large crowds, and the eighth instalment is expected to provide a full day of drifting and related activities for fans an families, across the waikato.
Tickets are available here
