Fast Cars And Freedom

When most people turn 16, they clutch their drivers’ licenses in fear as they set out to drive on their own for the first time ever. Their hands shake while clutching the wheel at precisely ten and two o’clock, and it takes months before they are comfortable running errands on their own. This, however, was not the case for Highland graduate David Curtiss.

Curtiss absolutely fell in love with cars before it was even legal for him to drive. This passion drove him to finding a loop hole that allowed him to race cars before he had his state license. Since then, he has done all sorts of competitions with cars. After spending a lot of time with auto cross and race style competitions, David started competing in drifting events.

“I jump on any chance I can to drive any style of motorsports, but drifting is by far my favorite. Drifting is my favorite because it is so untraditional. It is an extreme sport, and there is no right or wrong. It is all about style and technique, “ Curtiss said.

Along with competing, Curtiss has recently found a job where he completely tears down and rebuilds engines at Metric Motors. He knows every in and every out of cars, and what is going to make them faster.

“Knowing how they [cars] are built is a huge part in being a driver. Knowledge of how things work gives me clarity on what is actually happening behind the wheel,” Curtiss said.

Through his work and competitions, he knows exactly what modifications he should make to his own cars. This knowledge makes Curtiss an even fiercer competitor. His confidence is boosted knowing that his engine is in prime state to take him to victory.

“I can feel when something is going wrong, and can always diagnose it quickly to get right back on the race track,” Curtiss said.

Cars have become both Curtiss’s life and livelihood, and it can only be assumed that his journey has just begun.