We’re used to seeing figure skater Kurt Browning on the ice. With a plethora of impressive skating titles under his belt and the distinction of being the first man ever to land a quadruple jump in competition, Browning is most often spotted sporting a pair of skates. But with the reality show Battle of the Blades coming back for a second season in the fall on CBC, he’s leaving the skating to others. Browning, 43, is busy co-hosting the show, along with Ron MacLean, but he was happy to take some time out to speak to CAA Magazine about life off the rink and on the road.
How old were you when you learned to drive?
It was back in the day when you could get your learner’s permit at age 14 and licence at 16 in Alberta. It was kind of fun, because from the age of 14 I could drive to the rink with my mom at 5 a.m., when no one else was on the road. It was a good time to learn to drive.
What was your first car?
My mom and dad got me a 1973 Buick Le Sabre two-door when I was 18. It was huge! And it was in beautiful shape. It had a white top and blue body and could hold 11 people. I would drive from Edmonton to the family farm, about two to two-and-a-half hours away, on the weekends. Getting that car was a big milestone. I felt like I could stop and do anything along the way. I remember that sense of freedom.
And what do you drive now?
A grey 2001 Porsche 911. I’ve tried to sell it twice, feeling like I don’t use it enough, but both times I couldn’t find a buyer and now I think I’m committed to driving it until it doesn’t drive anymore.
Do you have a dream car?
I’ve always been in love with the ’65-’67 Corvette, because it’s such a sexy creature. It has a split window in the back that’s just awesome. But it will never happen. I think I already have my dream car. And my son Dillon’s dream car!
You’re married to Sonia Rodriguez, principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, and you have two sons together (Gabriel, 6, and Dillon, 2). Are your kids into cars?
My first son, Gabriel, not so much. But Dillon, my second one, is two, and all he does is play with cars all day. This kid is absolutely fascinated with them. If this trend continues, he’ll probably be the one who gets the Porsche, just for his sheer appreciation of vehicles.
Are you a road-trip kind of family?
As a single guy I was the road-trip guy. I liked to stop in every small town and swim in every lake I saw. It took forever to get anywhere. Now that my boys are getting big enough, we might stop and ride some go-karts, but the road trips now are, “Where are we going? Let’s get there quick before they get antsy.”
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