Mad Mike Whiddett has finished fifth at Formula Drift's Final Fight at Irwindale Speedway in California.
The result is Whiddett's best finish of the 2015 season, which was all about coming to grips with a new car and team for the Kiwi driver.
"So much happens each time we test, pit and in between event rounds; our progress this season was a collective effort and I'm stoked on our finish," said Whiddett.
Coming out flying at practice on day one, things didn't start well for Whiddett after he clipped the wall and bent one of his Mazda's rear wheel hubs.
It needed to be replaced, but time wasn't on the team's side, which meant Whiddett would have his work cut out for him battling James Evans.
Quickly adapting to the car's handling shortcomings, the Kiwi pushed on with clean lead and chase runs that resulted in a unanimous win decision from the judges.
An gap in proceedings allowed the crew the necessary time to swap out the damaged component, and when Whiddett re-emerged he beat high-ranked American driver Ryan Tuerck.
Whiddett would be beaten in the next round by Norwegian Fredric Aasbo.
Rounding out his competitive drifting year on a high puts Whiddett on the front foot heading into the 2016 season.
"The strongest advantage I have learnt this year is my mind control and focus.
"I'm determined to be the most explosive driver on course."
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