THE 2008 CHAMP - BEN BROKE SMITH
What a rollercoaster of a year 2008 has been for Bon Bon, always the bridesmaid never the bride from round 1 right the way through to the final round in Poznan last weekend but it goes to show that consistency wins championships!
The 23 year old from Birmingham came 4th last year, getting to grips with his mammoth Toyota Chaser, he again was consistent but just lacking the finishing touch, the year has been totally different, Bon was electric, on fire, on a mission, a worthy champion in everyones eyes.
Round 1 at Donnington saw Ben finishing in 2nd place against the 2007 champion Brett Castle in his awesome S14a.
Round 2 at Knockhill circuit saw him take 2nd again, this time against his closest rival this season Tim Marshall in an outstanding display of no fear driving!
Round 3 took us back to the home of drifting Silverstone, this time Castle took the top step with Ben in 3rd.
Santa Pod Raceway played host to round 4 of the championship and the 'street' round, a gruelling course was set and although the chaser disposed of Steve Evans Starlet, Kumakubo knocked Ben out in the top 8 showdown.
Back to Silverstone and round 5, Time Marshall taking the top slot with Ben taking 3rd, more points and a 99.9% certainty that the championship was his if he made it to Poznan for the finals.
In what had to be the toughest round yet, Poznan Circuit pushed Bon Bon and the rest of the EDC drivers to the maximum, Marshall was his closest rival and it was down to the wire between them as to who would be crowned the 2008 Japaneseusedcars.com European Drift Championship Champion, fingernails, finger tips, knuckles and anything else that could be chewed in anticipation were chewed as the 2 top point scorers and championship contenders drew each other in the final battle.
Bon was beaten to the round win by Marshall but his consistency shone through and Bon raised aloft the 2008 championship Trophy.
Ladies & Gentlemen, your new European Drift Champion - Ben Broke Smith!
For the individual round reports click below:-
Rnd1 / Rnd2 / Rnd3 / Rnd4 / Rnd5 / Rnd6