JDM AllStars Driver Interview

Ben Broke Smith aka BonBon

11th Feb '08. Published By JDMAS

JDM's Niall Gunn caught up with Ben for a quick chat about drifting. Ben, or Bonbon as he's better known as, has always been the guy to watch in the UK drift scene. With a passion for BMWs, Bonbon demonstrated his skill in a multitude of 3 and 5 series drift cars, rev limiters crackling and valves bouncing, he was a stalwart M power fan, avoiding the temptation to fall in with the crowd and run forced induction japanese cars.

Then he joined Driftworks, the european home of drifting and the home of some very crazy machines with origins firmly from Japan, the path had been set, Bonbon was soon behind the wheel of a Japanese drift machine, the Toyota Chaser, but his BMW roots are not forgotten. He is always one to be a little different, with his choice of cars and his exciting style of drift, he never fails to entertain and perform.

JDM - When did you first start drifting and why?

Bonbon - I first started drifting about 4 years ago, I've always been in to RWD thanks to watching people like Tiff Needell on the telly as a kid. From the moment I could drive I've owned old school beemers, when I went to a BMW day at Rockingham, I met Julian who was doing proper drifting in his old E30 M3. I talked to him for a bit (and annoyed him as usual), it got me interested enough to get along to some drift days in my old 525, then down to Julian's to get the diff welded and it went from there.

JDM - You are part of Driftworks Team, what is it like being in such a big team?

Bonbon - I wouldn't describe Driftworks as a big team, as a company we're only 4 people! It's easy for the outside world to see us as some huge rich race team, and we do our best to be professional, but it's still just 3 guys with drift cars getting out there in whatever events we can. We all work hard to achieve the maximum possible with the resources we have, as hard or harder than anybody else out there. I think the fact that we've all made drifting our hobby, life and business shows the dedication we have!!

JDM - Why did you choose the Chaser as your drift car?

Bonbon - For this year I wanted to build my old E36 with 1JZ power, but when the Chaser came up for sale, already 1JZ power, manual transmission, etc at a good price I couldn't really say no. I've always preferred different cars, in the past always having BMWs. Also it was to prove a point, at the start of last year nobody believed the car would be competitive. Too big, too heavy, how could it work?! Well it does! So point proven.

JDM - What's your favourite part of the Chaser?

Bonbon - 500bhp, air con, road legal, MOT'd taxed and insured. It's a laugh!!!!

JDM - Explain why you car is the loudest on the grid!

Bonbon - Nobody wants to watch a car go past in silence, stick a car out in the middle of a circuit and it needs to be loud to be heard. Plus, it's funny.

JDM - Who is your favourite driver ?

Bonbon - Not sure really, I don't have one. I think all the top UK guys have stepped it up a notch last year. I usually say Kuroi if you're talking internationally, his S13 is badass and has far too many powers.

JDM - Which driver would you least like to battle - why?

Bonbon - Nobody really!! I prefer a challenge.

JDM - Which Driver would you most like to battle - why?

Bonbon - I enjoy driving with Phil a lot, we're good mates and know each other's driving styles pretty well. I've always enjoyed driving with Ffrenchy too, he's a driver I have a lot of respect for and always makes you work as hard as possible, plus he has no fear so keeps you on your toes!! I'd like to have a go against some of the top Japanese boys, last time they were here our driving and cars were down a notch or two, I think we'd be able to give them a run for their money nowadays.

JDM - What is the most fun part of drifting?

Bonbon - Just the whole events, in the summer, doing what we love, having weekends away with all your mates. Winter sucks when you spend money on the cars and don't drive, roll on the drifting season!!!

JDM - Who are your favorites for the season in 2008 in JDM?

Bonbon - I'd say Brett has to be a firm favourite really, he's so consistent and has really upped his game over the last few months. It'll be interesting to see how Phil gets on with his 750hp S15 this year too, it's going to be a killing machine around the tight, technical tracks with it's mid engined balance and huge torque.

JDM - What are your plans for 2008, car upgrades?

Bonbon - For 2008 I'm looking to get a bit more power out of the car, getting it nearer to 600bhp, a few more suspension tweaks and just general refinement. Reliability was my only real issue from last year, so priority goes to making it 100% for every round.

JDM - What venues are you looking forward to most this year in JDM?

Bonbon - Cornwall!!!!! Mid summer, down in Cornwall, skidding cars, can't get much better than that!! Wembley will be an incredible buzz too, drawing in a whole new audience.

JDM -Who will do the winning next season for Team DW you or Phil.....

Bonbon - Who knows? Depends on which car sets on fire the most. That's me out of the running.....

Car Specification

Driftworks 1990 JZX81 Toyota Chaser 2.5 GT

1JZ-GTE power, HKS 256 cams & cam gears, Garrett GT35/40R turbo, Apexi Power FC, 4" core GTR intercooler, JZX100 alloy radiator.

Full custom exhaust and intercooler pipework.

Currently 480bhp/470lbs, for this year bigger injectors and ~580bhp.

JIC Coilovers, custom subframe mounts and modified lower arms, fully rosejointed adjustable suspension arms all around, TRD LSD, solid engine and transmission mounts, modified geometry front and rear.

Skyline R33 brakes, hydraulic handbrake. Modified steering components for maximum lock. Garage D rollcage, Driftworks bucket seats and harnesses, full safety gear.

For 2008 Rota 18x9f/18x10r Boosts, Federal RS-R 245/35/18 front, 265/35/18 rear.

Full BN Sports aero, custom widearches, orange in full Driftworks livery.