Michael Whiddett Bio: Children, Height, Athletics, Age, Parents, Ethnicity, Wife, Awards, Net Worth

Michael Brandon Whiddett, widely known as “Mad Mike” Whiddett, is a New Zealand drifting racer and Red Bull athlete celebrated for his high-adrenaline performances and innovative rotary-powered builds, including the MADBUL Mazda RX-7, BADBUL RX-8, and RADBUL MX-5.

Beginning in motocross, he transitioned to professional drifting in the mid-2000s, competing globally in series such as Formula Drift, winning the Formula Drift Japan Series in 2018, and achieving podiums and records at events worldwide, including Pikes Peak.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Michael Brandon Whiddett
• Stage Name: Mad Mike Whiddett
• Born: January 10, 1981
• Age: 45 years old
• Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
• Nationality: New Zealander
• Occupation: Drifting Racer, Professional Motorsport Athlete
• Height: 1.72m
• Parents: Sue Whiddett
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: Toni Cook
• Children: Lincoln Whiddett
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million to $10 million

Early Life and Education

Michael Brandon Whiddett was born on January 10, 1981, in Auckland, New Zealand, and raised primarily by his mother, Sue Whiddett, who supported his early passion for speed and extreme activities from a young age.

He had no siblings and limited public details about his father. From toddler years on trikes to racing motocross at six, he showed a natural drive for adrenaline-fueled pursuits, later competing in BMX and freestyle motocross.

Specific formal education or schools are not widely documented, as he focused on hands-on motorsport development rather than traditional academics. His ethnicity is New Zealander, and religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Michael Brandon Whiddett began his motorsport journey racing motocross from age six, placing second in the 1997 New Zealand Pro Junior 85cc Motocross Championship, before moving into freestyle motocross professionally for three years, where injuries earned him the “Mad Mike” nickname.

In 2006-2007, inspired by Japanese drifting videos, he sold personal possessions—including cars, a TV, and CDs—with his wife Toni to fund his first drift car, transitioning fully to the sport.

His early success came quickly, qualifying for international events like USA vs Japan Allstars in California and placing third in the Formula Drift Asia Pacific leg in Singapore in 2008, which led to a long-term Red Bull sponsorship.

Whiddett’s breakthrough solidified with iconic rotary-engine builds: the 515bhp MADBUL Mazda RX-7, followed by BADBUL RX-8 and the 1,000bhp RADBUL MX-5 in 2014, which gained massive attention.

He won championships including the 2009 Formula Drift Asia Pacific and New Zealand Drift titles, the 2013 World Powerslide Championship at Gatebil, the 2014 Red Bull DrifterShifters, and the 2018 Formula Drift Japan Series.

He also ventured into other disciplines, claiming first in the 2018 New Zealand Super Truck Off-Road Racing Championship and setting records at Pikes Peak.

Michael Brandon Whiddett remains a leading figure in global drifting and extreme motorsport.

He continues competing, demonstrating cars like the MADMAC (Lanzante McLaren P1-GTRX), NIMBUL Lamborghini Huracan, and others at events worldwide, while producing content through Red Bull collaborations, his YouTube channel, and social media.

His influence extends to inspiring new generations in drifting, with a focus on pushing boundaries, rotary innovation, and family-supported dedication to the sport.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @madmike.123
• Facebook Handle: Mad Mike Whiddett

Personal Life

Michael Brandon Whiddett is married to Toni Cook, who has been a key supporter since his early drifting days—working multiple jobs and studying while he pursued the sport full-time, even selling family items to fund builds.

The couple has two children: son Lincoln Whiddett and a daughter. Whiddett balances a demanding international schedule with family life in New Zealand’s Waikato region, often sharing moments of home time working on vehicles with his kids or enjoying outdoor activities.

Net Worth

Michael Brandon Whiddett has an estimated net worth of $5 million to $10 million.

His primary sources of income include long-term sponsorships from Red Bull and partners like Mazda, Toyo Tires, Lamborghini, and Chevrolet; earnings from global drifting competitions, exhibitions, and events; merchandise and content creation through social media, YouTube, and branded projects; plus potential revenue from car builds, appearances, and related ventures in motorsport.