Globally renowned drifter, custom car creator and social media superstar, Mad Mike is heading to Monterey Motorsports Festival on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 5-11PM and bringing his infamous McLaren P1 GTR-X drift car – MADMAC – the world’s wildest drift hypercar.
Visitors can also view the extraordinary Peralta S Supercar, which will make its only Car Week appearance at the show.
The Monterey Motorsports Festival is thrilled to announce the involvement of the renowned professional drifter, car builder, and Red Bull athlete Mad Mike Whiddett.
Celebrated for his success in Formula DRIFT, Formula DRIFT Japan, and numerous drifting competitions worldwide, Mad Mike is a legend in the motorsports community. Known for his daring style and versatility behind the wheel, Mad Mike also competes in off-road racing events such as Super Trucks, demonstrating his remarkable driving prowess across multiple disciplines.
At this year’s Monterey Motorsports Festival (MMF), Mad Mike will captivate audiences with his infamous MADMAC McLaren P1 drift car, a custom-built machine renowned for its power and precision. Fans will have the unique opportunity to see this extraordinary vehicle, experience the power of its race engine and learn more about Mad Mike’s innovative approach to car building and racing.
The custom McLaren P1 powered by a 1000hp Mazda 20B Rotary engine will be a standout star of the 2025 Festival and Mike has promised to fire the motor, allowing fans to witness its flame-throwing theatrics.
Bringing something completely new to the 2025 Monterey Car Week, MMF combines a car show with cultural event and music festival. Taking place from 5-11PM at the 22-acre Monterey Fairgrounds (situated just 3 miles from Cannery Row), attendees will be surrounded by a wide array of display cars covering major genres such as hypercars, supercars, American muscle, race cars, JDM, European classics, and the latest EVs. Simultaneously, live bands will be rocking the two Fairground sound stages, plus a special set from a legendary DJ, whose identity will be revealed shortly.
Tickets and event information are available now.
Undoubtedly, the hottest European supercar reveal of 2025 was the Peralta S from GFG Style; an Italian design house founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro and son, Fabrizio. Conceived and built for collector Carlos Peralta, this unique creation was unveiled in March and will make its US debut and only Car Week appearance at Monterey Motorsports Festival.
Based on the Maserati MC20 chassis, the Peralta S shares the same mid-engine, RWD layout and 621hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. But it’s the wedged-shaped body, hand-formed in polished aluminum, which captures the attention and imagination.
Inspired by the 1972 Maserati Boomerang concept originally designed by Giugiaro, the dramatic lines of the Peralta S are enhanced by carbon fiber aero parts while its front-hinged canopy raises theatrically to allow interior access.
Car enthusiasts who don’t want to miss the only appearance of the Peralta S, Mad Mike and MADMAC, can obtain tickets now from montereymotorsportsfestival.com.
Automotoclub Storico Italiano, the national federation founded in 1966 and the reference body that represents Italian historic motoring at relevant national and international events has renewed its partnership with Monterey Motorsports Festival. Its purpose is to protect the general interests of historical Italian motoring by enhancing its cultural, historical and social importance, while also promoting the preservation and recovery of transportation that is recognized as an irreplaceable component of 20th century history. As such, it has more than 150,000 members and brings together more than 300 affiliated clubs throughout Italy.
For the third year, ASI has officially welcomed MMF and will once again award the ASI Prize to the most deserving vehicle, presented by Maria Laura Luraghi.
Alberto Scuro, President of ASI, said, “The innovative formula of the Monterey Motorsports Festival is what is needed to bring a young audience closer to the world of classic cars, and we are pleased to confirm our support for this event.”
The Monterey Motorsports Festival is priced to be accessible to everyone. Tickets are available from montereymotorsportsfestival.com at $119. Kids under 12 are admitted free, and there’s a Junior Ticket currently priced at $59 for 13-17 year olds.
Additionally, visitors can upgrade with the the Vino & Vibes options at $219, which includes General Admission, access to a curated selection of top wineries, and views of the event and exclusive winery access. Vino and Vibes is the perfect way to relax, unwind, and indulge in the finer things.
As in previous years, the 2025 Monterey Motorsports Festival will offer an impressive selection of machines and activities for the entire family. There will be everything from Hypercars and Supercars to American Muscle, Race Cars, Overland & 4-Wheelers, JDM, European and the latest EVs.
*Please note: Monterey Motorsports Festival is a private, ticketed event. Tickets will remain available while supplies last.
Images of Mad Mike, MADMAC and Peralta S are available here.
A video from Monterey Motorsports Festival 2024 is available to view and share here.
Media inquiries and accreditation should be sent to media@montereymotorsportsfestival.com
The Monterey Motorsports Festival is the premier Saturday event during car week. It offers an elevated and curated experience, which is affordable for attendees, families, and automotive enthusiasts. This is the only event open to the general public on Saturday night, showcasing automotive unveilings, classic cars, supercars, hypercars, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, live entertainment, curated food and more.
Greg Emmerson (greg@theidagency.com)
Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created for the benefit of our community and we greatly encourage your participation.
Our mission is to protect and strengthen our community through continued stewardship, education and outreach.
Savor the finest wines and soak in the vibrant atmosphere at Vino and Vibes, our exclusive wine garden experience at the Monterey Motorsports Festival.
With access to a curated selection of top wineries, music, and views of the event. Vino and Vibes is the perfect way to relax, unwind, and indulge in the finer things.
Coming Soon
The Monterey Motorsports Festival is delighted to announce the Peralta S designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro will make its US debut at the show on August 16, 2025. As undoubtedly the hottest European supercar reveal of 2025, the Peralta S was created by Italian design house GFG Style, and Fabrizio Guigiaro. Conceived and built for collector Carlos Peralta, their unique creation was unveiled in Mexico in March and will make its United States debut – and only Car Week appearance – at Monterey Motorsports Festival.
First Tee – Monterey County turns the game of golf into a launchpad for life, pairing swing lessons with a proven curriculum that teaches honesty, resilience, and goal-setting in every session. From green grass courses to local schools, our coaches create safe, fun spaces where 49% girls and 96% youth of color build the confidence and character to graduate high school and thrive in college, career, and community. With a bold goal to equip Over 15,000 Monterey County youth in 2025, we’re proving one round at a time that strong values and healthy habits can change the trajectory of a life. Ready to see the impact?
YouTube superstar, car builder and drift champ, Mad Mike is heading to Monterey Motorsports Festival on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 5-11PM and bringing his infamous MADMAC McLaren P1 drift car.
Celebrated for his success in Formula DRIFT, Formula DRIFT Japan, and numerous drifting competitions worldwide, Mad Mike is a legend in the motorsports community. Known for his daring style and versatility behind the wheel, Mad Mike also competes in off-road racing events such as Super Trucks, demonstrating his remarkable driving prowess across multiple disciplines.
Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay provides affordable housing programs, affordable homeowner services, disaster relief support and homeownership opportunities to Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties.
We combine the love of cars, trucks and bikes with charities. Our charity events for pancreatic cancer give those grieving a place to celebrate the life of their loved one, make a difference and in a way pay tribute every June. With a 9% survival rate our funds raised, which are 100 donated. We keep no $$ and have no costs. I pay for operations out of my paycheck. The board volunteers its time and we have a great team. For LLS we do an annual toy drive partnered with Starbucks for toys for sick LLS kids and kids in Sutter children’s and Kaiser children’s hospital in Roseville.
Our monthly cars n coffee events are free to all makes and models of cars and trucks and June is our only judged car show.
VNA is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care to residents of the Central Coast by meeting their individual needs in a caring, effective, honorable, and accessible manner.
Door to Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the health and resilience of families in Monterey County through behavioral health, recovery, and family wellness services.
Since 1984, we have helped build and strengthen families for thousands of children through vital community services including foster care, adoption, relative caregiver support, children’s mental health and wraparound services, legal guardianship assistance, and parent and professional education. Seneca’s Central Coast programs are headquartered in Salinas, California and provide services throughout the Central Coast.
BirchBark exists to protect and honor the human-animal bond by financially aiding low-income pet guardians who cannot afford emergency vet care, and to support all families with education and pet loss counseling programs.
Rooted in the joy of music, I Cantori di Carmel aims to nurture and uplift our diverse and multigenerational collective of singers fostering artistic growth and the shared joy of music in Monterey County and beyond. Through innovative programs, outreach initiatives, and free performances, we expand access to classical music, ensuring its impact reaches all corners of our community.
Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula provides freshly prepared, sustainably sourced meals to thousands across Monterey County. The Meals on Wheels Community Center offers exercise, art, and special interest classes. Our Home Heart Heroes program provides minor home repairs that allow seniors to safely age in place.
About MCFC The mission of the Monterey County Film Commission is to inspire and facilitate film and media production throughout Monterey County, creating positive economic impact. Created by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in 1987, the Monterey County Film Commission works to increase economic development through the film industry, and also to support locals through employment and education related to the film industry. Each year an average of $4 million comes to our area from film production.
As a community leader and advocate, Alliance on Aging provides services and resources that address the challenges and opportunities for older adults in Monterey County.
The mission of the Holding on to Hope Family Justice Center is to provide one safe location for survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking to access services from community based organizations and government partners. Together, we aim to break the cycle of violence and create a healthier, safer community for all.
The vision of this nonprofit is to ensure the future of the Monterey County Fair & Event Center as a vibrant and diverse community venue. MCFEC boasts two outdoor performance stages, sprawling lawns, concessions kitchens, barns, seven rentable halls, a full service RV Park and an off track betting facility called Monterey Bay Race Place. Built in 1936, it has been home to many renowned events, including the annual Monterey County Fair, the Monterey Jazz Festival and the 1967 Monterey International Pop Music Festival.