New Zealander Mad Mike Whiddett has been appointed an ambassador for the new Chevrolet Silverado HD by GM Speciality Vehicles (GMSV).
The former Freestyle Motocross star and globally renowned motorsport competitor has been supplied a new Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty (HD) truck as a tow vehicle, plus a new ZR2 to be personalised in his MADLAB at the Hampton Downs Racetrack in NZ.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mad Mike into the GMSV team and announce the Chevrolet Silverado as his official tow partner,” GM Australia and New Zealand managing director Jess Bala says.
“The new HD is the ultimate work-and-play utility vehicle and there’s no better than Mike to put the big new truck through some considerable real-life testing.
“Mike will play a pivotal role in introducing a fun element to our brand and demonstrate how a Chevrolet Silverado can help not only tow your trucks and haul motocross bikes but also get you and your family into the back of beyond then safely home again,” she says.
Whiddett, who first raced motocross aged six and has a string of drifting titles on his CV as well as global recognition with performance vehicle exploits, driving Stadium Trucks and Pikes Peak International Hill Climbs, is a household name in many parts of the world. The new campaign will go one step further and introduce a new ‘Madster’ to Kiwi audiences – his 16-year-old son, Lincoln.
“To say I was genuinely impressed is a massive understatement. My motto is ‘find the limit, then work back from there,’ however we couldn’t even find the limit as I could hardly feel our massive triple-axle trailer loaded with our two off-road racing trucks and a tray full of motocross bikes, spares, tools, and race gas to fuel our mission. It towed all of our gear effortlessly over all the rugged and steep terrain,” Whiddett says.
“I was blown away by the multitude of cameras which were an extra set of eyes all around the vehicle, plus handy features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer, the integrated sidestep so you don’t have to stand on the slippery tyres when pulling gear out the tray, Hill Ascent Assist as well as one of my favourite features… Engine braking function!
“The overhauled interior of the new Model Year HD is also a considerable step up; it’s more car than truck in terms of appearance and functionality but still gives you the feeling you’re in a tough truck. The new Bose Premium Sound System pumps, while the power sunroof, windows, and rear sliding window help provide a sense of style. It’s a place I’ll be comfortable spending many hours in, and I know my passengers will be equally happy, especially with all the legroom (or more toy storage for the kids) in the back!
“I knew the HD was going to be good, but how good is what got me pumped. It’s so smooth, has the tough sound of the diesel turbo V8, and I can’t wait to test big on and off the roads around the country.”
Whiddett and his son Lincoln will star in a new TV commercial recently shot on the Central North Island of New Zealand as part of the new Ambassadorship.
The new campaign launches today and is the first local GMSV production shot in New Zealand
“The shoot was awesome, it was so much fun to be part of, especially getting the chance to put the new trucks through their paces,” Whiddett said.
“With a couple of days behind the wheel of the new model, I have absolute confidence in the product and know the new partnership with GMSV will be spectacular!”
The new Model Year 2024 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty is on sale now. Customers can order one through any GMSV dealership and visit GMSV to learn more about official specification information and towing capacity details.
The new GMSV Heavy Duty Mad Mike clip is available: https://youtu.be/akPMp6mTrA4.
