Cindy McCain: Potential First Lady, part time drifter

Posted Wed Sep 10 2008 8:20 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Cindy McCain, wife of republican presidential candidate John McCain, first became intrigued with ‘drifting’ after watching a race on television more than six years ago. Thinking that it looked kind of “cool,” she began researching the then fledgling motorsport, even travelling to Japan with her eldest son Jack to take drifting lessons with a top instructor.

For the uninitiated, drifting is a form of motorsport where a driver intentionally skids a car sideways through a course in the fastest time possible. The ideal vehicle to use is something with a light body and a high-output RWD powertrain. Several Nissan models, including RWD Skylines and 240SXs (Silvias), have become very popular in drifting circles due to their simple power mods and relatively low cost.

Upon returning to the U.S., McCain rebuilt a Nissan 240SX with a modified engine and started competing in amateur drift competitions in the U.S. with her son, finishing as high as second place in 2005.

During a recent interview on ESPN, McCain said how she loved the sport, describing herself as a below-average drifter. When asked what her husband thinks, she replied that “he loves it."

While we don’t see drifting becoming a national sport anytime soon, we’re sure celebrity enthusiasts like McCain will only help boost its profile – especially after the damage done by Lil Bow Wow and the Fast and the Furious series.

Reader Comments

Wed Sep 10 2008 9:06 AM
Laz says

I can already see Cindy and Jack drifting on the White House lawn!
Wed Sep 10 2008 9:15 AM
mlevere1992 says

Somehow I can't get the feeling out of my head to cry, BS!
Wed Sep 10 2008 9:25 AM
admin says

mlevere1992 - I know, so here's a link to the video to prove it's not BS.
Wed Sep 10 2008 12:28 PM
Layne says

Wow who would have thought the possible first lady would be seriously into drifting? She's a badass for sure!
Wed Sep 10 2008 2:40 PM
Gus says

Very cool. I love it when women try things like that.
Wed Sep 10 2008 4:21 PM
NoNameDenton says

It would be awesome to see her drifting near the White House.
Wed Sep 10 2008 5:42 PM
Dane says

Still... Her hair looks like straw and she looks like a downtown hooker.... Think that money would buy taste.....
Wed Sep 10 2008 6:39 PM
Gus says

Dane, you should shop first...
Wed Sep 10 2008 9:36 PM
Gonzo Bill McQueeg says

She reminds me of the Wicked Witch of the East.
Tue Sep 16 2008 2:07 PM
Bernie says

After November 4TH we'll never hear about this home wrecker again.

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