Driver of the Month April 2008
April 2008
Name: Brian Garfield
Age: 35
City/State: Mount Airy, MD
Profession: Television Sound Technician
Daily Driver: 1999 Miata (Hardtop, Wheel/Tires, Suspension)
Family: Craig (father) drives a MINI in STX, Jane (mother) drives a Boxster S in A Stock, Lisa (wife) drives a shifter in F125, Julian (son) races karts in Solo and Rotax, Carson (son) races a kart in Solo.
What year did you first get interested in (or start) autocrossing?
I started in 1999 after driving by an event at Ft. Meade. I called my father and asked if that was what he used to do. Being in the market for a new car, I based the decision on autocrossing after watching several events and talking to people. Before my first autocross, I had already bought a helmet and an extra set of wheels with race tires (A008RSII’s).
What kind of car do you compete with, what class do you compete in?
I run a shifter kart in Formula 125. It’s a CTS chassis with a Honda CR125 motor, about 40hp. The best part? The amazing Brembo brakes.
I’ve got two Pro Solo National Championships, but haven’t gotten the “Jacket” yet. I think with the more experience and kart setup knowledge I’m getting, it will be possible for me to win a Solo National Championship in F125 before I move on. However, Julian’s sprint racing will come first, so we’ll see.
In the past year or so, what have you learned to help improve yourself as a driver and your car setup?
As I teach so many schools for the D.C. Region, I get tons of seat time, which always helps. But, the kart setup is very critical and every time I drive, I learn something new. So far through two seasons, my comfort level and kart knowledge improves greatly, so I see that as a constant.
What can you tell a Novice who is just starting out?
The driver is ALWAYS the most important, but it depends on the class and even the car as to where the pecentages fall. For example, in *general*:
Prepared and Mod: 75% driver
What is it about autocrossing that keeps you interested?
I like discussing the course with fellow competitors between runs. Some choose not to “reveal” anything, but I like to hear what everyone has to say and point out spots that I feel need the most attention.
How do you feel after a fast, clean run?
Something I still don’t know how to teach as everyone does it differently, memorizing the course is tough. The most obvious technique is looking ahead while driving. But prior to running, during the course walks, I’m trying to remember element to the course which is why I appreciate a creative course designer. If the course is the same “sweeper, transition, sweeper, transition” type of course, there are no elements that stand out. But if you can name the turns or sections, it’s much easier to visualize in your head prior to running.
Would you consider expanding your skills to wheel to wheel racing or even doing a HPDE?
At this stage in my life, I’m going to continue to keep it simple. I enjoy the kart track (outdoor), but can’t afford to get hurt, so I keep it to fun track sessions and autocrossing. And as for a car on the track, the expense and further commitment outweigh the benefits.
What trophies or titles have you won?
My primary goal for 2008 is to have a much better motor on the kart. I had compression problems prior to and at Nationals, of all places, and it ruined my shot for 2007 after the first day. I learned a great deal about the karts this past season, including building the motors, I don’t plan on making that mistake in ’08.
If you could have ANY autocross ride imaginable, what would it be and why?
My favorite subject in grade school was Math, but interestingly enough, I made it all the way through college without a Math course.
Ah, yeah. My record got bad enough that I was on MAIF (Maryland Auto Insurance Fund) at one point. This is what you do when no insurance company will cover you until you clean it up. However, none of my tickets were ever reckless driving or something very serious, it was just the frequency 🙂
What is your favorite-
Food: All shellfish
Drink: Iced Tea, then Crown and Sour
TV Show: Rules of Engagement
Movie: Haven’t seen many in a long time
Music/band: A little bit of everything, but Avril Lavigne and Nickelback are current
Car- Attainable= Miata Dream time= Porsche GT3
Other hobbies besides AutoX
I’ve been snowboarding since ’86 and playing hockey since ’75, but both have taken a backseat to racing so it’s very rare for both. It’s good offseason stuff for sure.
Name: Julian Garfield
Age: 10 >just turned 10 today April 15, Tax Day..
City/State: Mt.Airy,Md
Profession: Don’t have one
Daily Driver: 2005 Intrepid KT-100 Go-Kart
Family: Dad, Mom, Carson, and I
What year did you first get interested in (or start) autocrossing? 2003
What kind of car do you compete with, what class do you compete in?
My Intrepid KT-100 Go-Kart in FJ-B
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now in the sport?
I’ll still be in a kart in FJA, as well as Sprint racing in Rotax part of the time.
In the past year or so, what have you learned to help improve yourself as a driver and your kart setup?
I’ve learned to carry more momentum and be smoother on the wheel. Giving feedback is important to making kart run right. I’ve learned to check the pressures and listen for when the motor isn’t running great.What can you tell a Novice who is just starting out?
I would tell them to drive a comfortable speed around the course on the first run, as well as making sure they make it around the course correctly.
How much of the sport do you think is attributed to driver skill vs. car setup?
I would say that it is more driver than kart setup, but without a good kart setup, it’s harder to show your skill.
What is it about autocrossing that keeps you interested?
I like to be able to compare myself to the cars, which I can’t do on the track since I’m only racing with other karts.
Do you critique yourself during your runs, after each run, or after the event?
I’m always thinking about how I can improve for either the next run, or the next event.
How do you feel after a fast, clean run?
I feel great and I normally know that it’s fast as soon as I cross the finish line. I always remember that there’s always more time out there to improve.
What techniques do you use to memorize the course?
One thing that helps me is that I walk the line and I try to map out the course remembering certain turns or slaloms
Would you consider expanding your skills to wheel to wheel racing or even doing a HPDE?
I currently am beginning my wheel-to-wheel season in Rotax to improve my skills in racecraft.
What trophies or titles have you won?
I have won 4 DC Region Autocross championships, 5 pro solos, the Peru, Indiana Tour, and 3 Mid Atlantic Grand Prix Indoor Karting league Championships.
What is your primary goal for the upcoming season?
My goal would be to give better feedback on the kart and to run with Super Stock cars.
If you could have ANY autocross ride imaginable, what would it be and why?
I would want to drive a Modified class car because I like the exotic looks and fast speeds.
What was your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject is Math because I like to problem solve.
Did you get any tickets as a teenager when you first had your driving license?
I hope I don’t when I’m 16.
What is your favorite-
Food: Crab
Drink: Tea
TV Show: Formula 1
Movie: Night at The Mueseum
Music/band: Smashmouth, Big Audio Dynamite, U2
Car- Attainable= Miata Dream time= Lotus Elise
Other hobbies besides AutoX: Biking, Snowboarding, Sprint Karting
Some of your favorite Web Sites?: McLaren Fantasy League, WDCR SCCA (for results), and of course www.juliangarfield.com
