It’s not long before the 2012 BDC season kicks off, but before that Japspeed are back off to the Birmingham NEC Arena for another weekend packed full of drifting! We catch up with Team Japspeed factory driver Baggsy to find out what makes him tick before his Live Action Area happenings at Autosport this week…

Photo Credit: Jordan Butters, Drifted.com

Hi Baggsy, so what’s your real name?

My real name is Stephen Biagioni

Does that mean you’re from Italy, then?

No, I’m from Upminster in Essex, but my dad’s from Italy!

So are you better at making a nice Lasagne or a Pizza?

I’m a big fan of American hot pizzas – I make one at least once a week.

What first got you into cars?

My dad got me into cars – he always had cool motors and that’s what made me a petrol head. Then I raced karts until money got tight when my parent’s split up.

And the sport of drifting. Tell us what’s so good about going sideways?

It’s such an accessible sport – it allowed me to get involved with competing in cars again. And the rush of going sideways into a bend at speeds of 80-90mph is, well… it’s kinda hard to put into words, but there’s nothing like. Nothing can get close to the buzz of drifting the Impreza.

 You’re a factory driver for Team Japspeed and pilot the legendary Impreza. What engine is the car running and what power does it make?

It’s got a 1JZ single turbo motor out of a Toyota Soarer and kicks out around 500bhp. Which is pretty cool!

What is it like to drive?

It sounds mental! It’s mad loud and with the new engine up front, the weight is all different to an OEM Impreza so it’s pretty intense to drift.

If you had to make a cuppa tea whilst going sideways at 80mph, would to go for one sugar or two?

Probably go for two, because I like a challenge. I’d definitely run a PG Tips bag as well… can’t get enough of them monkeys!

Autosport International Show is arguably the best motorsport show in the world. What does it mean to you to be performing demos in the Live Action Arena?

It’s like a dream come true. I remember going to Autosport loads as a kid – so to be in the Live Action Arena is amazing. It’s going to be a great four days!

Thanks for talking to us Baggsy! You can catch Team Japspeed and Baggsy on the Maxxis Tyres Stand at Autosport Show where he’ll be disco dancing and chugging Monster Energy.