Nadine Sachiko Hsu

Breaking Stereotypes in the Drifting Scene

Nadine Sachiko Hsu is a trailblazer in the world of motor sports, especially in the niche of drifting. As one of the first female drift racers in the USA, Nadine has not only competed in Formula Drift but has also established a significant presence in the sports scene dominated predominantly by men. Her journey was not without challenges; much of the backlash came from skeptics who doubted women’s competency in such a high-adrenaline industry. Nadine’s resilience and determination paved the way for future female racers, inspiring a whole generation of women to pursue their passion for cars and racing.

Empowering Women: The Birth of Drifting Pretty

In 2003, recognizing the lack of support for women in motor sports, Nadine founded Drifting Pretty—a community aimed at empowering and mentoring women in racing. The organization has mentored over a hundred female drifters, providing them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the field. Beyond just teaching women how to drive competitively, Drifting Pretty places a strong focus on fostering self-confidence and dismantling the barriers women face in male-dominated industries. Nadine’s vision is not just to create racers but to empower women to pursue any passion with full vigor.

Stunt Double Journey: Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift

For Nadine, the opportunity to work as a stunt double in ‘Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift’ was a whirlwind of emotions. Torn between protecting the underground culture of drifting and embracing a once-in-a-lifetime experience, she decided to participate. During her time on set, she discovered the less glamorous side of Hollywood, focusing particularly on their use of her hands and feet in driving scenes. Despite initially grappling with feelings of ‘selling out,’ the experience is now a cherished highlight of her drifting career, blending her love for adventure with the enrichment of her professional journey.

The Complexity of Growing Up Mixed-Race in the SGV

Nadine shares candidly about her experiences growing up as a mixed-race Japanese-American in the San Gabriel Valley. Navigating between her Japanese and American identities, she found herself without a defined cultural group in school, as racial lines were distinctly drawn. Despite encouragement from her father to focus on Spanish, Nadine felt a strong pull to reconnect with her Japanese heritage and culture. These experiences helped to shape her understanding of identity and diversity, culminating into meaningful lessons she carries with her today.