Drift Dreams Unleashed: The Insane Transformation of a McLaren P1 GTR into the Ultimate Sideways Machine
In the world of high-octane motorsports and automotive wonders, a groundbreaking project is setting the bar impossibly high. Imagine taking one of the world’s most elite hypercars, the McLaren P1 GTR, and converting it into a drift car that defies the very boundaries of engineering and design. This isn’t just a fantasy; it’s the real-life endeavor of Mad Mike Whiddett and the renowned engineering firm, Lazante, coined as "MadMac."
Coming to light at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2024, the MadMac project promises to redefine the concept of an exotic drift car. The project saw its inception after the P1 GTR left Lazante’s workshop in the UK, embarking on a journey to New Zealand. There, in Whiddett’s lab, it undergoes the final touches that will cement its status not just as a transformed hypercar, but as a drift icon.
The reveal of the first images post-modification offers a tantalizing glimpse into what’s in store. Sporting carbon fiber-enriched wider fenders, imposing canards, a pronounced splitter, and a massive rear wing, the MadMac looks ready to challenge the limits of drift engineering. An overhaul of the suspension and chassis is also anticipated, tailoring the car’s dynamics to suit its exhilarating new role.
But who are the masterminds behind this audacious project? Dean Lazante ignited the spark for this idea during a fateful meeting with Mad Mike at Goodwood. With Lazante’s reputable background in converting and enhancing McLaren P1s, and Mad Mike’s legendary status in the drifting world, the collaboration was inevitable. Whiddett’s ambition to push this project 'to the absolute limit and then take it around the world…sideways' encapsulates the driving force behind this venture.
The unveiling of MadMac is particularly symbolic as it symbolizes the convergence of exquisite engineering and sheer passion. From Lazante’s spectacular P1 Spider to Whiddett’s innovative creations like the “Nimbul” and the RWD-converted Mazda3, both parties bring a wealth of experience and creativity to the table.
As the development of the MadMac nears completion, anticipation builds. Upon its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this McLaren P1 GTR drift car is set to embark on a global journey, challenging conventions and setting new standards in the world of modified exotics. Sponsored by the prestigious O’Gara Coach luxury group of Beverly Hills, the MadMac’s journey is only beginning, promising to leave an indelible mark on the motorsport world.