In the series premiere, Beau Boeckmann and the Galpin crew resurrect a one-of-a-kind Pantera that Carroll Shelby hot-rodded for a secret project with Lee Iacocca. With a focus on vehicle performance and car culture, the Galpin crew will take part in some of the biggest competitions, test their vehicles on the toughest tracks and unveil some of the craziest, most important cars to people around the world.
If you were alive in the last six years and had any exposure to MTV, you probably think you know Mad Mike, but this interview introduces you to someone you’ve probably never met before — Mike Martin, a shade-tree, car stereo installer from Compton (in his own words). Whatever your preconceptions about Mike might be — leave them at the door. Nothing you see on TV is real… not even “Reality TV.”
Most notably, Mike can be seen weekly on MTV’s Pimp My Ride. Viewed in the U.S. and 20 other countries, Pimp My Ride is somewhat of the “ugly duckling turns to a beautiful swan adventure”. In addition to Pimp My Ride, Mad Mike has made appearances on several television and radio shows ranging from the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, TRL, G4Techtv, Jimmy Kimmel, Funk Master Flex Radio Show, X-Games amongst specialty car shows such as DUB Show, LA Auto Show, NASCAR and DB Drag World Finals.
The infamous car customization specialist Mad Mike, a.k.a. the “Man with the Plan”, is widely known from the hit television show “Pimp My Ride”.
Mad Mike has been a whiz in the automotive electronics industry for over 25 years. He is recognized worldwide as the best of the best when it comes to customizing and tricking out automobiles. There’s no job too small, too big or crazy for him to complete.
When Mad Mike is not maneuvering wires and electrical parts, he is managing his many automotive enterprises, and proudly volunteering his time to several community organizations such as: Disabled American Vets, Keep America Clean, Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
He currently resides in Southern California and is employed full time at Galpin Auto Sports.
“In 1952, Galpin Auto Sports revolutionized the automotive world by becoming the first dealership to ever design, build and sell a custom car, transforming the business into the most storied customization shop in the entire game. Now, Galpin Motors, Inc. president and COO Beau Boeckmann, custom car builder Dave Shuten and customization specialist “Mad Mike” Martin are revving up engines to save automotive history and rescue car culture from oblivion in the brand-new Discovery Channel series CAR KINGS, premiering Monday, March 30 at 9PM ET/PT. The series is produced by Pilgrim Media Group, a Lionsgate company.
Starting off at an early age playing with an electronic wooden clock, Mad Mike began his fascination with electricity and wires. He loves the daily challenge of using his creativity to strengthen his ingenuity with electricity.
Before Mike was known as a genius within the car electronics industry, he was a dedicated American Solider as a Radar Operator and Technician during Operation Desert Storm. His education and hands-on experiences with electronics in the Air Force catapulted his exposure in the auto industry.
When Mad Mike is not maneuvering wires and electrical parts, he is managing his many automotive enterprises, and proudly volunteering his time to several community organizations such as: Disabled American Vets, Keep America Clean, Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He currently resides in Southern California and is employed full time at Galpin Auto Sports.
