My best moment has to be the second place I achieved at Knockhill in 2007. To overcome the terrible weather conditions and have to run three battles against Maciej Polody on the way to the final was the highlight of my career so far.

In 2007 you left us still driving in the EDC, what made you decide to take time out?
I have decided to take a year out due to personal commitments. I marry my fiance Sarah later in the year and we're having major house renovations done this summer. I have also taken a leading role in organising the British Drift Championship, the feeder system for up and coming drivers to achieve a place in the EDC.

For 2008 you have hung up your driving boots and joined Sleepy and Maz on the judging panel as ''assistant to the Judges'', are you looking forward to being on the other side of the fence for a change?
It should be interesting to be on the other side of the fence. I know what the drivers have to achieve to impress the judges so I'll be fully aware of what they face.

Not only a driver, you also have experience of Judging previously, tell us about that.
I have become the main British Drift Championship licencing judge and I have a lot to take into consideration when awarding licences. Being a judge for the EDC will be a lot more complicated as the drivers are all of such a high standard which will make my life harder but I relish the challenge.

How do you think the EDC drivers will react to your authority in a Judging capacity?
I would like to think the EDC drivers will welcome me with open arms onto the judging panel. I will be in the unique position of having driven most of the tracks so I know what is expected of the drivers.

As a Judge in EDC your status revokes your right to have a favourite driver to support, how easy do you think being neutral to all drivers will be, considering some of them are rivals from past battles?
Being neutral isn't going to be a problem. I have never seen the other drivers as rivals and I always relished the opportunity of driving against more experienced drivers to improve my own skills.

Which track layout do you prefer as a driver and which are you looking forward to this year on the EDC calendar?
My favourite track has to be Knockhill as the first corner is THE corner at any venue that puts your heart in your mouth. You hit speeds of 100mph plus on the entry to the corner. You can't see the apex and its just blind faith as you throw the car sideways hoping you have judged your entry correct. It gives me goose bumps thinking about it!

I'm looking forward to the track layout at Santa Pod and the thought of concrete walls surrounding the track sounds fantastic. Personally, if I am given a section to judge where the cars are close to the wall, if a car leaves paint on it the driver will get a maximum score from me.

Some words of advice for this years drivers?

My advice would be to go out and enjoy the experience of driving with the best drifters from across Europe. Make the most of it! Come to the events with a smile on your face and make sure that what ever happens, what ever the results, go home smiling knowing you have put a smile on other people's faces.