Drifting is a fast-paced motorsport attracting growing attention over the past decade. Its objective? Driving a car sideways down a track at high speed. Rubber is burned and adrenalin is pumped at organized events all over the country. Some who do it say it is the most challenging car-driving competition there is.
Drifting originated in Japan in the 1970s. By the 1990s, it had reached the United States, but it wasn’t until the new century that drifting began to gather momentum as a legal and regulated, professional sport.
Army National Guard Soldier and Gainesville, Florida, Police Officer CPT Ryan Quinn is using his gift for the drift to promote both his Christian faith and the Army National Guard.
“The driving itself is probably the most challenging thing that you could ever do in a car,” said CPT Quinn, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, Florida Army National Guard. “It’s an adrenalin rush. In essence, it’s a [controlled] roller-coaster ride.”
CPT Quinn originally started with the sport when he was in high school. Back then, he volunteered at drifting events as part of the pit crew. But after graduating high school, he left the then-still-developing sport behind to pursue other goals.
“While he drives, I [watch] the tires and organize things,” CPT K. Quinn said. “Depending on the track, the required tire pressure may change. Depending on how long the track is, the rear tires may only last three rotations [around the track]. I make sure I’m aware of how the tires are riding and that we ensure safety. It’s an awesome sport, but you have to be calculated to minimize risk. The way that I describe it is that it’s like dancing on tires.”
Although CPT K. Quinn plays a critical role in the success of Slide United, she is quick to shine the spotlight back on her husband.
“Drifting is open to male and female [drivers],” she said, “But I really like to support [Ryan’s] passion for the sport and not get into driving myself. He’s basically awesome.”
The Quinns regularly encourage others to get involved in formula drifting. They said they see it as a way to share their dream with those they care about.
