Willow Glen Resident
Cover Story
Photograph by Vicki Thompson
Man that's Fast: Garland Self flies down the track in his 1994 Ford Thunderbird during the San Jose Grand Prix historic stock car race. This is his second year in this event. Last year he came in third, and this year he moved up a spot.
Revved Up
Garland Self puts the pedal to the metal
By Mayra Flores De Marcotte
Waves of heat rise from the black asphalt in downtown San Jose as the low rumble of engines revs through the air. The crescendo of sound builds as the drivers, racing their motors, await the start.
Mixed in with oil, sweat and adrenaline is racer Garland Self.
Self, owner of Selco Heating & Air Conditioning in Willow Glen, has been racing for12 years and in 2005 showed off his stuff in San Jose Grand Prix historic stock car race, where he placed third driving his 1994 Ford Thunderbird.
This year in the 2006 Self came in second.
"We're just bringing a little bit of NASCAR to San Jose," Self says.
The Historic Stock Car Race is one of the races during the three-day event. The race will showcase authentic and historic NASCAR stock cars.
Self says he wouldn't be here today if it weren't for two other racing enthusiasts--Ken Epsman and John Davis.
"They got me hooked," he says.
Both men are veterans behind the wheel.
"They were going to test cars at Sears Point and invited me to join them," Self says.
It was an open course, and Self decided to give racing a try with his Dodge Viper.
"I was too aggressive with the Viper, and it was unsafe to race it on the track," Self says.
But the experience sparked his interest in racing. He needed a car, and talked it over with his wife, Debbie. They agreed he would buy a NASCAR vehicle. After a short search, he located one in North Carolina, a 1994 Thunderbird that had been retired from NASCAR racing.
The car qualifies for the Historic Stock Car races because it falls into the 1994 or older category, but it is just as souped-up as the newer models.
"Everything in the car is up-to-date," Self says. "It's hard to stay safe with an old car. These are purpose-built road-course cars. They are built to turn left and right, not just left."
Since then, Self has purchased two other NASCARs, a 2002 Ford Taurus and a 1991 Ford T-Bird.
Self's evolution from rookie racer to accomplished driver was not without its bumps or scary moments.
"One time, my brakes failed at Laguna Seca, and I crashed head-on into a wall," Self says.
He escaped without injuries and says it all has to do with the car.
"As far as racing is concerned, stock cars are pretty safe," Self says.
Self also says that driving a racecar is like sitting in an oven. On a hot day it can get up to 130 degrees in the car. Despite the heat, Self says it is worth it when he sees the smiles and enthusiasm pouring out of the stands.
"We get energy from that," he says.
Car and driver wouldn't be able to perform as well as they do without Self's secret weapon: Miller Motor Sports.
Miller Motor Sports in Campbell owned by Ray Miller, maintains Self's cars.
"It's hard to be competitive without a Ray Miller," Self says. "Without him, I would question if I could still do this. He always prepares a winning car."
Miller, of Saratoga, has been racing cars and having others drive his cars since he was 18. Now 52, he operates a business that for the last 21 years has been dedicated to preparing and maintaining racecars.
He has been working with Self for eight years.
"He was definitely a rookie when he first came in," Miller says. "He had never raced a car in his life. You can't just jump in and go fast."
Miller says Self is an achiever, not afraid to step up to the plate and try things.
"Garland does a good job and has good equipment," Miller says. "He has thousands of course hours, and he spares no expense."
Self just bought a new engine for his 1994 Thunderbird.
"He wants to win this one," Miller says. "It's his city. He's got the equipment and skill to win this thing. He's the one they'll have to beat this year."
Self believes he has a good shot at it with Miller and his support team. Although he wants the win, Self says there is more to racing than standing in the winner's circle and holding up the trophy.
This year the pits are located at the convention center, where the racecars will also be on display.
"We enjoy showing off our cars," Self says, "but it's not all about you. It's about making an impression on a child. There's nothing more rewarding than a smile from a child and a smile of appreciation from the parents."
Self's own family--wife Debbie, daughter Jessica, son-in-law Aaron and son Joel--attend all his races, and Aaron and Joel help maintain the racecar.
Unlike other races, where no one is allowed near the cars, racers such as Self put the children in their cars. The event is very interactive in the pits.
Self says the San Jose Grand Prix event has opened up a new door in auto racing by enabling children and adults to experience the race at a completely different level. It has also placed the city into the national spotlight.
"When locals see the race on television, it gives them a sense of pride," Self says. "This race has brought the city of San Jose a sense of national notoriety."
