Here are the basics on the Giaffones:

Felipe (20) is the reigning Brazilian Formula Chevrolet Champ and holds 3
Karting Championships, and Zeca Jr. (21) holds 2 Karting titles as well. 

Felipe:
     1994 - Brazilian Formula Chevrolet Champion
     1992 - Paulista Karting Champion
     1992 - Paulistano Karting Champion
     1992 - Sul Americano Karting Champion
     1991 - Laval Cup Winner

Zeca:
     1993 - Pan American Karting Champion
     1993 - Sul Americano Karting Champion

The Giaffones are the second most important racing family in Brazil, next to
the Fittipaldis. They are already a household word there. The family has 8
drivers who have competed in Brazil. They share 17 National driving titles
between them. Felipe and Zeca hold 6 of those. 

Although we don't represent him directly, yet, we are also helping their
cousin Alphonso (III) who is racing in Indy Lights this season. He is the
reigning Formula 3 Champ in Brazil. He is a very important driver as well.

The brothers' dad, Zeca Sr., has 4 Stock Car Championships and Alphonso's
(III) dad, Alphonso Sr., is a Stock Car Champion as well. We'll do an article
on the family history soon. We'll see about posting it here.

Brian's editor, Rodolpho Siqueria, of Autoesporte Magazine in Brazil has told
us that "the Giaffones are single-handedly responsible for the success of
Stock Car racing in Brazil." 

And, it appears that 3 more Giaffones will be racing here next year.

I am sure you have already heard that Felipe Giaffone was involved in a
"violent" crash at Miami with Bob Ferstl (who should be out of the hospital
this week and is doing well). Felipe had 35 stiches above his right eye. When
he woke up in the hospital the next day, the first words out of his mouth
were, "when is my next test?" Both brothers will test in both cars on the
23rd and 24th at Portland International Raceway.

Rodolpho Siqueria also told us that we should also be keeping an eye on
Albery Spinola in Barber Dodge.

Sandra Kinsler and Brian Leshon
skinsler@aol.com