Mad Mike drifting Crown Range in New Zealand

The Crown Range, New Zealand. 47 corners, 1076 metres elevation, 10.4km long. The country's highest paved roadway. For a moment in time it belongs to one man, Mike Whiddett. The moment will become, the drive of a lifetime.
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The former state highway cuts a path between Queenstown and Wanaka. It is a short cut, which has long been a route for travellers. The first track dates back to the early gold rush days. The road now is still one of the most demanding and technical drives of the country.
The drive for Mike Whiddett will be challenging and faster than most. For the first time in NZ motorsport history, the road has been closed across three sections for a unique filming opportunity. The New Zealand-based international drift driver has a chance to push his bespoke quad-rotor rotary engine car to new limits on a completely clear road. The road closure signs are rolled out; it is time for Mad Mike to Conquer the Crown.
On paper, the first section of the road appears to be the trickiest. Seven consecutive hairpin turns on a near-vertical mountainside climb give the Switchbacks their name. The second section is all about speed. Whiddett pulls sixth gear along the Crown Terrace and winds the Mazda RX7's 750 horsepower engine out to its redline. He hits 232km/h before slowing, fleetingly pulling on the handbrake to lock the rear wheels before stomping back on the accelerator. The tyres erupt back into a spinning frenzy; black marks the bitumen. This is drifting nirvana in its purest form.
The run up to the Crown Summit is a fusion of high, medium and low speed bends, created to attack sideways. With barriers flanking the road at one side and exposed banks at the other, it mimics the mountain touge roads that the Japanese forefathers of the sport originally, and illicitly, ran by moonlight. The margin for error is slim here, but Whiddett never backs off as the final forty-seventh corner passes by in a blur.
I think drifters have an innate ability to slip from reality when driving up a road like the Crown Range in normal circumstances. We imagine drifting through the turns, the gear changes, the footwork, the hand brake and of course stomping on the gas. So for me, having the opportunity to get behind the wheel of my machine, push it to the limit and conquer the Crown is a dream turned into a reality,"""" says Whiddett.
The Crown: conquered.
#redbull #motorsports #madmike
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[@muhammadafham1798]

even after 8 years, this is still a masterpiece

[@redbull]

thanks Muhammad - we love it 🙌

[@Agung21]

@@redbull the best

[@k.k7605]

9 now lol

[@jackmelvin193]

Ten years

[@TAROOOO1110]

​@@k.k7605 10 now

[@lennyfont8276]

lets all appreciate that helicopter pilot that was some mad piloting

[@the-xm2qi]

gimme me some Lenny faces

[@StathisTzouvarasPhotography]

I agree !!!!!!!

[@StathisTzouvarasPhotography]

I agree !!!!!!!

[@wastedwasted624]

im here for the helicopter thats it

[@leman8626]

2:17

[@brianglennon1546]

The hills are alive with the sound of Brapbrapbrap

[@ajwhite765]

Brian Glennon sutututututu

[@M_Alistair]

Rotary POWAAAHH!!

[@SybePlays]

Alexander White stutututuu impreza tho xd

[@Perzecute]

AND ANTI LAG

[@TheQuadTurbo]

+I Perzecute his rx7 is 4 rotar N/A 26b. its not boosted thus no anti lag

[@mikeeyyss2150]

The fact that this came out 7 years ago and it still looks awesome

[@joshuahowells3848]

the fact that we all sitting here watching it seven years later😂

[@rabidL3M0NS]

You talk about 2013 as if it were in the 19th century lol.

[@federicodallemura201]

8 now hahahah

[@christiandamael4239]

Its 8 now😂

[@mikeeyyss2150]

@@christiandamael4239 almost 9

[@Pumperneek]

“Before the world invented drones” lmao

[@Caluhan]

@Emmanuel Uzamaki so drones were made back in the 1600s?

[@DavisMckenlyFJB]

@@Caluhan yes birds existed

[@Lianzzzy]

@Emmanuel Uzamaki America is a continent

[@Caluhan]

@@DavisMckenlyFJB definition from oxford, "a remote-controlled pilotless aircraft or small flying device."

[@frostbitefade424]

@@Caluhan this guy doesn't know what he talking about he's probably like 9 lel

[@falgunisrikumar9316]

After 7 years who is watching this is a legend

[@gladmedyedev4937]

@Nick Caryndra yeah the mask off right?

[@eneaballarini2894]

@@gladmedyedev4937 yep

[@deadlock3586]

Faak u

[@Manni410]

Me

[@cay7809]

Hi

[@shreypatel8406]

2:16 One of the best shots I have ever seen. Hats off to the cinematographer.

[@MARCO-rq2ph]

mask off kiddo we know

[@robyworks]

Perfect! Love sound edit.

[@sxveng3847]

subscribe to me or you well be sus 😏

[@creeperking4064]

@@sxveng3847 np i will be susu

[@amanwaseem926]

@Zeke Layne your right. Nobody cares

[@NINJASAZUKI]

How did I not ever realized before this comment that most of these videos are sound edited xD

[@EceipSsehc]

I'm so glad to see him actually get some recognition, and more importantly, that car. Maybe this could bring rotaries back. The FD RX-7 is a brilliant car!

[@JB-sv5pr]

We only still wish for that dream Mazda 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Cinnamonroll521]

Yeah, a brilliant car that leaks fuel and can explode at any second lmfao

[@Wheezy822]

@@Cinnamonroll521It’s still a good car nonetheless.

[@TheKylerobert]

"47 corners" "10 miles" And you only saw at least 19 corners drifted and maybe a total of 4 miles captured in this skit. I want the uncut clips. That's when my jaw will drop.

[@michaelrampersad3260]

Glad someone said it

[@loganmiller7774]

TheKylerobert 10 km not miles

[@Alex-rm4qc]

Km not miles

[@pablorivas1929]

watch the hoonicorn videos, those r nice

[@shreddatron6454]

I’m not miles American boi we New Zealanders don’t use miles 😆

[@DJTasawennatekensMusicWorld]

Holy hell that was the most beautiful drift racing video I have seen and they used a Mazda RX-7 FD3S big plus

[@eriktenhag2022]

this guy is crazy but that heli pilot is crazier. mad flying skills

[@christopherw2233]

R.I.P Nick Wallis he died just 3 months after his brother Matt Wallis died in a similar helicopter crash and the company faced charges 😐🥺

[@yui_1342]

2:17 the best scene change my mind

[@mctg9043]

No cos ur right

[@omshetkar06]

I won't change your mind

[@nathann5169]

Nah its def 1:43

[@shahbazshaikh8172]

2:10

[@TheAmritabha]

Yes

[@bluetoxic_1717]

Who is here from the song 'Mask Off'.

[@bingheter3169]

Me

[@wewoxgaming1375]

Me

[@bingheter3169]

@@wewoxgaming1375 gay

[@bingheter3169]

@@wewoxgaming1375 gay

[@bingheter3169]

@@wewoxgaming1375 gay

[@memomimi]

この動画を短くした物がテレビでCMとして使われていて、たまたまレコーダーに入ってたので、そのCMだけ切り取って残してます。 録画した番組を見た後、その動画を見てから寝てます💤　何回見てもカッコイイし飽きないです！ 何年経ってもRX-7のかっこ良さも衰えないですね。

[@garethkalber7236]

Dear editors, If you could play more than 2 seconds of one shot before jumping to the next that'd be great. Sincerely Me

[@creeperking4064]

Thats some *serious* formal letter :>

[@dobby6841]

fr

[@T2000SVT]

Epic car, Epic driver ,Epic roads and Epic fail on the editing

[@BlackSlimShady]

We cant tell if he is an epic driver, the editing made him seem good.

[@tonganc4868]

@kieran bratson, you cant have 7 million veiws be sponsored by red bull and be a bad driver lmao, Please shut up and enjoy the video

[@BlackSlimShady]

@@tonganc4868 The youtube channel isnt dependant on the driver from this one video....

[@Nyctophiliac.]

@@BlackSlimShady yeah because redbull hires any amateur driver.

[@eun5oo280]

@@BlackSlimShady lmao just look up mad mike

[@gattie12ben]

Give props to the helicopter pilot :)

[@tangorolza]

See what you did there... :)

[@gattie12ben]

Luke Lewis-cooper ;D

[@hermanportorreal8409]

lol I get 😆😆😅👋👏👏

[@christofferrasmussen6533]

+Ben G Yes the helicopter pilot is good don't get me wrong, but the real hero is the cameraman on the chopper keeping it steady whilst airborne in a vehicle he has zero control over, that's the real skill at display here i think :)

[@zievs9025]

+Christoffer Rasmussen bro they have stability control, special equipment to make it steady...

[@MrVaggos83vaniart]

2:17 Just EPIC...!

[@shreddatron6454]

Ik right!!!!!

[@italianrager5831]

lmfao ur easily impressed

[@gangrene4085]

@@italianrager5831 and he still wouldn't be impressed by your KZbin channel

[@christopherw2233]

TTV PASTAFIGHT let's see you do it ??? If you knew anything about helicopters they're not considered easy to fly and that guy would be considered mad skilled.

[@obitoedits246]

2:19 Imagine this moment with a high bass-ed song playing in your ears with you driving the car😍

[@chandlerwright8434]

Mask off aesthetic remix

[@rotorthermotech1310]

Travelled that road in a rental RAV4 a few times last week, it’s far more challenging than it looks on this video, now I can really appreciate Mad Mikes driving

[@rickyb6086]

That sound, that car still gives me goosebumps after 2 years.

[@BooneTheKing]

Does it still

[@James-kb4ii]

Rotary

[@ThatE46]

rx-7.... that unique sick sound. Love it. :D

[@xXLOUdeedzZXx]

Rotary mate... Perfection.

[@datdudeolyver]

4 rotor orgasm lol

[@ulumscreamo]

hell yeah 🙌

[@TheEsclaw]

Many years later, this video is still dope af

[@2cool0]

too many fast camera angle changes....kind of ruins it

[@Skrotetor]

So true... That's what you got when you don't know have "editing taste"

[@2cool0]

Skrotetor yup.....it's a typical movie trick. where you have fast camera angle changes to make it look exciting and fast. I hate it when videos and movies do that.

[@Skrotetor]

...

[@mauriciogonzalez2871]

+Skrotetor what are you talking about?

[@mathiassagy7026]

agree

[@jiggaroozay7572]

Here 9 years later to appreciate this classic like the first day it came out 🙌🏽

[@LATRONNIK]

that thing sounds like a friggin 20k rpm f1 v8.. it's beautiful.

[@MidWizard]

LATRONNIK rotary engines

[@joshuacannar607]

that's the famous wankel rotary engine my friend

[@gsainoy]

6 year old me used to watch this video so much man, still 11/10 to this day

[@justenetaua]

This is so awesome! Man I love what Red Bull can do. Show's off our talent on both our drifting AND our beautiful scenery. Just magic. Go Red Bull NZ and Mad Mike!

[@HeWhoChills]

The sound of that engine is absolutely mental! Keep up the good work

[@romannavarro6128]

Very underrated video. This is easily the best video capturing and rotary sound ever!

[@rexsalisbury3646]

Still one of the best vids showcasing New Zealand Drifting..Mad Mike the legend..

[@evilmuska]

Say what you will about the Wankel engine, but this quad-rotor is an absolute MONSTER.

[@Willy_Wanka]

look at my name

[@Shitey]

I always appreciated this video and I never knew it was made in NZ so now it’s even better!!!!

[@iFurore]

I really cant believe this is video 10 years old now, I was 8 years old when I first watched this and it still looks like it was produced today!

[@DMRH69]

Wow..... some serious production quality.... Keep the rotary alive with each film.......

[@lyghtff5009]

Those clips are insane

[@ColtSSR]

Mad Mike is a massive credit to NZ Motor sport!

[@Croxobite]

the shots. everything in this video is perfect

[@the_m34]

The sound this car makes when it's rev'ed is like an orchestra of angels singing with perfect synchronization 👌🏽👌🏽

[@playlistkid4148]

MikeGotGamez like angels farting in your ears 😂

[@andrewtate568]

Brapbrapbrapbrap

[@TheStig43and199]

Awesome driving, and that Mazda sounds wicked.

[@FlyingNinjaSloth]

Dat driving...amazing. But, man...that heli flying?!?! Props to that pilot (pun fully intended).

[@justinlong2201]

FlyingNinjaSloth there is no propeller on a helicopter.

[@jakeschannel207]

Just coming across this video and what a ear full of beautiful rotary sound you get 😮

[@banditryder4696]

Love those long sweepers and flawless hairpins. I would love to drive that road. Mad mike is insane!

[@sakakiracingworks6318]

このFDが今でも元気に動く状態だとうれしいです。

[@InvincibleExtremes]

The sights and sounds... incredible

[@redbull]

A pleasure for ears and eyes! 😍👂

[@InvincibleExtremes]

Red Bull yes indeed

[@HeWhoChills]

I love listening to the Mad Bull RX-7's engine. I don't even need to watch the video. I come back to this video every now and again just to listen to the sounds.

[@more.art.less.war.]

A decade of mad max drifting through the hills of New Zealand like he just robbed a bank. God bless you Mike and RedBull

[@RealRandyButternubs]

i liked the part with the BRAP

[@raphaelbrian4840]

its been 7 years ago, this person makes me love rotary until now

[@Arifharyadi2125]

10 years ago,and this still sick🔥🔥

[@birgitschonberger7095]

Friggin awesome filming!!! Love the freeze shots especially of the chopper and car together, not the kindest road nor flying space. WICKED!!!! Have fours sons myself, one drifts, the other flies rotary, they would have LOOOOVED this opportunity! Have to say good on you Red Bull for getting consent !!! Awesome viewing

[@tilerandmariexplore8986]

i am definitely buying red bull now!

[@TheOriginalDJMoses]

I was wondering if they put Redbull in the gas tank!

[@bajablaster1]

This is the video that made me a mad mike fan, definitely amazing

[@kosmokat111]

I love this video about an incredibly flow based motorsport with a cut every half a second

[@sigmaoctantis_nz]

Amazing road, I've driven over it many times and it's one of my favourite stretches in New Zealand.

[@age.1998]

this is a true classic ❤️

[@isaacoliveira33]

After 9 years this is still amazing to watch

[@burakacar2854]

I have never heard of that kind of rotary sound.Almost F1 so unbelievable

[@tomesther317]

Stuff like this makes you appreciate cars.

[@oska8046]

*Stuff like this makes you appreciate the driver

[@real_smilegamez]

the sound the car makes is what I imagine what an angry bee would sound like if bees could talk

[@thegreenskeep1]

i couldnt think of a better name than "Mad Mike", great clip!

[@kat_icek]

Amazing content I mean I'm always curious to what your next content is Keep it up 💥👌👌👌

[@U_menya_net_youtube_]

Even after 9 years, this is steel a masterpiece

[@nou5056]

bruh copied

[@imma5761]

Props to driver and pilot. Just wow

[@3xoticyt219]

after 10 years this is still legendary

[@Misery]

Years later and this is still amazing

[@liammccormick6036]

Now imagine being in the middle of the back seat with two sisters next to you swaying at every corner making you want to spew. That's what it's like for us to go on road trips in New Zealand

[@ghosty8631]

I can confirm this it true, also live in NZ Palmerston North

[@liammccormick6036]

@@ghosty8631 same

[@ghosty8631]

@@liammccormick6036 wait fr, You in palmerston north?

[@liammccormick6036]

@@ghosty8631 yeah

[@ghosty8631]

@@liammccormick6036 damn thats crazy. how old are you?

[@evoguyxboss7230]

2:20 is the most epic moment

[@bendiktw]

That is the coolest drift car I have ever seen!

[@dudeshark2471]

one of the best sounding rotaries I've heard tbh.

[@ggexpeditions867]

Let’s just appreciate how he’s doing this on a wet road

[@Joaovitor-ys4fc]

9 years later this legend still haunts the clues

[@DanNyyzzs]

Amazing landscape and drift!

[@AmitWaghmare_3218]

I cant beleive redbull really got some insane ideas that's why i love these guys ❤❤❤❤

[@KonnieW12]

Wish this car and track were in GT6 😩🙏

[@Harry13002]

It's not a track.

[@KonnieW12]

you know what i mean :)

[@Harry13002]

Yep.

[@produKtNZ]

problem is tho: It isn't a track =)

[@produKtNZ]

Damn straight it should. After this publicity, there are rumours that this course will be factored into the D1NZ championship. Will confirm when I know more :) (My good mate's a drifter in the series)

[@carlitoxb110]

Takumi what are you doing with riosuke's car

[@terrenceamigleo6672]

***Keisuke

[@haydenandreoli7909]

Kt car bro ry has the fc

[@nimfanimfs2386]

I need to see the ae86 with sine tofu shop fujiwara tofu shop hahahahahahha

[@Richtheplugbk]

Gotta Love that Rotary sound

[@ExploringLifeEveryNowandThen]

Redbull should officially add 'Mask off' as BGM

[@justin.g25]

The ending scene reminds me of fast n furious 7 R.I.P Paul Walker...

[@conahh5221]

fuck up, don't bring this into it,

[@Tito_jus]

Imagine being on the other side of the mountain and heard like BRAP BRAAAAAAPPPP BRAAAAAAAAPP SKIIIIIII

[@ValtersPelns]

This video needs more views! EPIC!

[@ruellbankasingh7730]

amazing, mikes does an amazing job.

[@_Spacecraft]

Would it kill them to show 5 seconds of driving without slow-mo or constantly cutting in 1 second clips? Fucking annoying production here.

[@VictorL141]

because it looks cool? especially the money shot with the helicopter rising in the background

[@boost3d831]

yeah it does look cool, but it would be better if they had the full run filmed in-car as well. You don't really get to see him linking up corners in the one shot because of all the editing

[@snowy12355]

It doesn´t look cool, kids...

[@MattgamingBE]

song in the background?

[@bestsuspension]

This video makes me goosebumbs all the time🤙👍👏😊😃❤️

[@aight5420]

That exhaust sounds amazing

[@davidjohnovereem9768]

And i love living in new zealand love this place rip that road up. Mad mike keep up the good work hoap 2 drift battle u on the track 1day in the near future or not even on the track came my way lets do Arthur's pass

[@WigneyR]

In 2013 you needed a helicopter to film this, now you can do it with a drone for 1/100 the cost

[@christopherw2233]

There was a drone also.

[@edwinhon2923]

REDBULL”s video just perfect as always❤

[@DarkClosetOfTheMind]

Wow, that shot at 2:21...wallpaper quality. Very cool run.

[@user-pc2nb3rt4v]

Mad Mike vs Ken Block...

[@oliviersavard8676]

Mad Mike would destroy Ken Block and his AWD powersliding

[@Krith220]

what Olivier Savard said.. Ken Block doesnt even drift

[@mortenmadsen7555]

+Olivier Savard #NOT

[@m676thew4]

HomrxD j um can't pick because both are good.

[@Prxymetime]

HomrxD j Mike

[@donnikoleon82]

Уникално изпълнение на пилотиращият пилот!!!Това се казва уличен дрифт !!!Поздравление :-))

[@FreshToDef]

He was bending them corners 🔥🔥🔥 Deserves a lifetime achievement award

[@Keprion]

The background at the end is absolutely unreal

[@akikevin1]

What song was used during the drifting scene?

[@tigers6450]

Someone find this

[@italianboy1398]

Sorry you guys, I had to flag this for pornography

[@AboynamedJason_]

How and why?

[@aidenkuo4618]

@@AboynamedJason_ @youmissedthejoke

[@scoopp3902]

@• 10B views the joke is that it made him climax.

[@christopherw2233]

IcommentAlot •1968 years ago R/wooosh

[@chatz23]

What a car.What a car.Simply amazing even after all these years

[@sourlemonsz]

Its soo cool to know that this guy has been on the same roads ive been on before i love the fact that i KNOW THESE ROADS! like ive been there I love it

[@habilalaca]

2:17 WOW AMAZİNG !