Want to know what a 60+ ton tank drifting looks like? Look no further.
Drifting in the modern day has become a legitimate form of motor racing, despite (probably) originating in damp car parks across the world thanks to young lads in their battered Peugeot 106, or chosen equivalent.
Although it doesn’t quite deliver the same need for speed as your regular racing event, it without a doubt requires as much skill and can be mesmerising to watch. Even the Fast and Furious franchise have nodded their cap to drifting in Tokyo Drift and, there is no better feeling, than hanging the back out before whipping it back round and continuing on your way.
However the subjects of today’s blog takes drifting to a whole new level and they are, of course, the U.S Army. The U.S Marine Corp to be precise. Who else?
The lads over in the world’s second best Marine’s, after the home grown Royals of course, have been partaking in an annual exercise programme over in Norway with the Norwegian and other allied armed forces.
The ‘training’ is part of Cold Response, an annual set of maneuverers to ensure the drivers are able to manage in icy conditions, a crucial requirement. Now we know what you’re thinking, when was the last time America went to war with a country that wasn’t 90% desert? Well it has been a while but sensible to keep their hand in given Russia’s latest intent to own half of Europe, because who knows what will happen in the future?
As you can see from the video below, the 60+ ton M1A1 is hanging the back right out, joined by a Norwegian Leopard 2. Unfortunately the M1A1 is dressed more for Namibia rather than Norway in its desert camo and, there are a few occasions where they manage to loop the mechanical monster out, but that’s why they call it training right?
Those that have driven on ice will know it can be an unpredictable and scary experience. So doing so on metal tank tracks must be something else altogether. That said it does make a great watch.
There is also another video showing a Marine AAV tracked lander joining in the fun, hitting a slalom more akin to downhill skiing in the Winter Olympics.
THIS SITE claims no credit for any images posted on this blog unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.
Although it doesn’t quite deliver the same need for speed as your regular racing event, it without a doubt requires as much skill and can be mesmerising to watch. Even the Fast and Furious franchise have nodded their cap to drifting in Tokyo Drift and, there is no better feeling, than hanging the back out before whipping it back round and continuing on your way.
We are fully compliant with MOT testing standards.
Ask your garage about their status.
