This isn't your ordinary hachi roku. On a recent getaway to Rincón, Puerto Rico, Ambient met up with professional Puerto Rican drifter James Bonet Jr. of Rincón and checked out his AE86. Initiald D...Puerto Rican style!

OK, so why is there a car from Puerto Rico featured on an online magazine for the Tri-State? Everyone needs a getaway now and then. It just so happens that we met up with an AE86 Toyota Corolla daily driven and drifted by one of Puerto Rico's professional drifters. James has made an impact in the Puerto Rican drifting community within the past several years with his AE86'es and even his father's 1969 Camaro. Since hitting the Puerto Rican Pro level back in 2008, James has one goal, perfect his technique even further.

Currently, James is running a 1984 Toyota Corolla AE86. Even with the aftermarket kit, he still rocks the classic red panda colors which the 86's are well known for (thanks for bringing it back Takumi). Not much has been done to the car in terms of modifications, but the vehicle has the all the basics for drifting. No forced induction has been added unlike a previous 86 that he had used in the past. This little car adds to the competition in Puerto Rico's fast growing drift community.

Like Japan, Puerto Rico's terrain has a high percentage of mountain area which means touge, togue, togue. Like most drifters, James practiced on the windy roads as well as empty lots. From there, he moved on to sanctioned clinics and events. Eventually, his hard practice had paid off when he one the Puerto Rico Drift Day 2008 event and was approached by PRDA. There, he was invited to join the professionals of the island.

James would like to thank his family (like this author) and friends for their devoted support and most importantly, God for blessing him with the talent that he has given him. Good luck in the future James from all at Ambient Lifestyle.

Build Stats

Owner: James. Bonet Jr.

Age: 26

Occupation: Auto Mechanic

Engine/Performance: 8:1 fuel pressure regulator, individual throttle bodies, cylinder head ported and polished, custom made 2" exhaust pipe, Apex'i muffler, limited slip differential.