updated 7/14/08
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August is posted |
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Don Slevin, Pres. 845-510-4110 dslevin@fyscomputers.com |
April 2008
Brian Garfield and son Julian Garfield Click here for Julian
In his Kart '07
F125 '07
2005 Nationals
2003 Nationals
2002 Nationals
His Miata '99
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.
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.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now in
the sport?
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.
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?
Don't be afraid
to ask questions, the autocrossing community
is incredibly friendly. The driver is so important, and although you'll
want a competitive car eventually, learn in what you've got. However, I
would hope it's not a high powered monster, simple small cars are great
learning tools. If you've never experienced anything like this, hit the
indoor kart track first to learn about carrying momentum.
How much of the sport do you think is attributed to
driver skill vs. car setup?
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*:
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*:
Stock: 95% driver, 5% setup
ST and SP: 80% driver
Prepared and Mod: 75% driver
What is it about autocrossing that keeps you interested?
What is it about autocrossing that keeps you interested?
The simplicity in
the sport and the ability to run as a family. There's an adreneline
rush for sure, but that can be had in any high speed motorsport.
Autocrossing is safe and simple...and relatively inexpensive. I really
enjoy the focus on the driver, since there isn't normally a section
where all out power gets an advantage.
Do you critique yourself during your runs, after
each run, or after the event?
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.
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?
I definitely get the "shakes" when I know it was
fast, and it helps for the remainder of the runs for sure. But, there's
no doubt this feeling is what keeps you coming back.
What techniques do you use to memorize the course?
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?
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?
What trophies or titles have you won?
From 1999-2007, I
have 7 WDCR SCCA Regional Championships in a B Stock Miata, DS, GS, and HS
MINI, and F125. I have two Pro Solo Championships, 2002 in an H Stock MINI
and 2005 in a G Stock MINI. I have Solo Nationals trophies in 2003 STX,
2004 G Stock, and 2005 G Stock.
What is your primary goal for the upcoming season?
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 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?
Always a tough
question. I do love mid-engines and really enjoy driving a
Boxster S. But as a GT3 is a competitive car and one
of my desires to own, I'd have to go with that. Then again, after my
experiences with speed in F125, Modified class cars are tempting...
What was your favorite subject in school ?
My favorite subject in grade school was Math, but interestingly enough, I made it all the way through college without a Math course.
My favorite subject in grade school was Math, but interestingly enough, I made it all the way through college without a Math course.
Did you get any tickets as a teenager when you first
had your driving license?
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 :-)
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.
www.juliangarfield.com
our future driving star, won't be long before he beats me in my own ride.