MEDIA RELEASE - Kiwi drift sensation Mad Mike Whiddett has demonstrated the reliability of Vodafone’s 4G network in a high octane experiment at Leadfoot track in Hahei.

The kiwi legend-in-the-making successfully completed a bespoke drift course with his windows completely blacked out, his only vision coming through four tablets fixed to the inside of his windscreen.

A webcam app running across Vodafone’s 4G network delivered Mad Mike’s only view of the outside world via four smart phones mounted on top of his highly modified Mazda FD3 RX7 performance car.

These were extremely dramatic conditions for Mad Mike who relies heavily on visual cues to remain in control of his vehicle as he intentionally over-steers, causing his car to loose traction and “drift” around corners at high speed.

4G Redline video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4in4x2Xvtak

Standing by the reliability of his 4G network, Vodafone’s Technology Director Tony Baird rode shot gun during the high stakes stunt, which Mad Mike described as the most extreme and challenging of his career.

“It was a little risky that’s for sure,” said Mad Mike. “I didn’t know what to expect but this experiment was without a doubt the biggest challenge I’ve ever had behind the wheel.

“The network held up and the technology worked but the whole experience was like being in a different world, and switching between the screens even made me feel car sick for the first time in my life,” he said.

The team behind 4G Redline were determined to showcase the reliability of Vodafone’s 4G network in one of the most dramatic test environments ever conceived.

Vodafone Technology Director and 4G Redline passenger said the experiment has demonstrated the reliability of Vodafone’s 4G network.

“It’s one thing to say we have a reliable network – it’s another thing to demonstrate it, and that’s what we set out to do with the 4G Redline experiment,” said Tony Baird.

“The experience was extreme and the stakes were high but it worked, with the 4G network delivering the vision Mad Mike needed to manoeuvre around the course with confidence.

“It was an incredible experience and an exciting glimpse into what’s possible as we move toward the world of 5G,” said Tony Baird.