Although a self-confessed car newbie, Christina Vithoulkas thrust herself into the drift scene in 2024 behind the wheel of a purpose-built, LS1-powered Nissan S13 Silvia. A content creator, public speaker and ex-dirt bike rider, Christina was chasing a new adrenaline rush and found the perfect outlet in drifting, becoming Australia’s first paraplegic female competitor in the sport.
How’d you get into drifting?
Some guys offered me a drifting passenger ride in March 2020, and I instantly fell in love with the sport. They also introduced me to paralysed drifters online, which I didn’t know was an option for me. And after being a freestyle motocross rider doing 17-metre jumps, I needed a new adrenaline fix. So, two weeks later, I bought a ’93 Silvia S13 shell to build as a drift car. I funded the project by selling the dirt bike that I crashed in 2018, leaving me paralysed. I never wanted to let it go, but putting the money into my next passion made it worth it. Three-and-a-half years later, when my car was built, I then learned how to drift.
That sounds like a daunting task.
I knew I’d figure it out. Now I’m two years into it and still a beginner. I’m the only one drifting with the Bluetooth accelerator on my hand and no handbrake, so I just have to hope I’ve got the right line. Soon, I’ll add an 8HP trans with the handbrake wired in to make it easier.
Tell us about your Silvia.
Dean Rossiter built the car, including the cammed LS1 driveline with a TH400 and locked Nissan diff with 4.3 gears; it has 369hp at the rears. There’s Shockworks coil-overs, upgraded front brakes, and 17-inch Watanabe replica rims. It also has Rex Kelway wheel tubs, Cage Kits Aus rollcage and bash bars, and a GKTech strengthening kit. The body has a purple/blue wrap over black paint; it’s my favourite colour combo, which was also on my dirt bike.
How did you feel when you fired up the Silvia for the first time?
When I drove it out of Dean’s shop, I was thinking, “What the f*ck have I got myself into?” But the minute I drifted it for the first time, I knew I’d be okay. Now I’ve drifted eight tracks across Australia, with around 100 different passenger rides. Plus, I’ve been fortunate enough to be an invited guest driver at events across Australia, including World Time Attack Challenge. And it’s all thanks to my partner Jesse Baker and BSC Performance & Dyno Tuning, who are massive contributors to how the car performs today.
What’s next for you?
I don’t think about life too seriously. My current goal is public speaking and to keep sharing my story so other disabled people know that they can drift with hand controls. This year I’ve done Rockynats, and I plan on heading to Darwin’s Top End PowerFest in July. And I’d love to ship my Silvia to America for drift events. But my big long-term plan is for a second car, set up specifically for disabled people to try drifting.
- Check out Christina on
- YouTube @christinavithoulkas
- Insta @christina_vithoulkas
Girls — wanna be famous? Become an Iron Maiden! Email car details, pics (2MB+) and contact deets to gday@streetmachine.com.au. You and your ride could appear in the mag!
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