Member Profile

KIRK GIANNOLA

DIE PORSCHE KASSETTE hopes everyone is enjoying our member feature articles. We want to get to know you, and trust you will enjoy meeting your fellow members. This month, we introduce Mr. Kirk Giannola, Graphic Designer, Porsche owner, and key member of the DIE KASSETTE staff.

Kirk was born in Washington DC but spent his early days with his family in Frankfurt Germany. His father, Frank, was a FAA inspector. The FAA moved his dad to Europe when Kirk was 6, way back in 1966. His mother, Ursula, is German and this combination made it easy for young Kirk to learn the language and become comfortable as an American in Germany. Today, while he is back in the USA there are still a few family members in the “old country”. Unfortunately, Frank passed away in January 2020, but Ursula is still strong, sharp and living independently in St. Augustine, FL at 90 years of age.

Of many benefits living in Germany was access to automobiles. By the age of 13 Kirk was riding with his parents at over 100 mph (160+ kph for the metric set). His father had a XJ6 and mom wheeled around in a BMW tii. Both liked to drive fast! They had the Autobahn in their backyard and virtually unlimited speed. The need for attentive driving was crucial. It’s almost a perfect location to develop many skills needed to compete on the track, especially those related to vision, closing rates, estimating time and distance for potential passing, and watching your “six” for upcoming faster traffic.

Germany also offers wonderful access to high-level performance racing. Kirk and Frank went to many Formula 1 races at places like Hockenheim and Nurbrugring. The drivers of the time were the “Who’s Who” of open wheel and traditional road racing. They enjoyed watching Jochen Rindt, Jackie Ickx, Jim Clark, Phil Hill and Jackie Stewart, among others as they negotiated the best race venues and strong competition. (Lucky kid we’d say!)

These days Kirk is a Senior Graphic Designer for Durante Equipment by trade and training. With this expertize, he offers his time and efforts regarding a majority of design work that goes into our club magazine. In 38 years of design experience he certainly has a substantial body of work. A terrific example of Kirk’s work are the “48 Hours of Sebring” posters.

He lives with his long-time girlfriend in Tamarac, and between them they have: 1 son, 3 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 4 dogs. This total does not include the son-in-laws, but they are always counted in the mix. Their family days are most assuredly fulfilling during holidays and throughout the year.

Kirk has been a Porsche owner since 2005. His first P-Car was a 1987 Carrera in Guards Red with black interior. Over the years, the 911’s motor begged to be overhauled and Marty Gilbert of Marvin Gilbert Motorsports (MGM) in Pompano Beach, FL took on that task. Working with the team at MGM, the 911 was upgraded from a 3.2L to a 3.4L adding aftermarket engine management, custom throttle body, new pistons, barrels, cams, headers, bearings, injectors, custom fuel pressure regulator, custom hoses, coil pack, clutch, flywheel, and oil hoses. All parts were powder coated, anodized or painted where needed per Porsche spec. Now the Carrera provides ample power and the necessary air conditioning to offset the south Florida heat and humidity. It is also livable in our traffic. Kirk could have tracked the 911 but he sugMark Johnson, staff writer

gests that it is too valuable. Before the upgrade, the car was used to hone Kirk’s driving skills at various PCA Gold Coast and other autocross events. He still uses it today as his Sunday driver.

Wanting to go to the track, in 2006 Kirk added a 1989 994 S2, also Guards Red, to the collection. With the support of MGM and a fun car to drive, Kirk gained valuable seat time and immeasurable experience. In a few short years Kirk was ready to step up again. There came the next opportunity in 2014. Kirk purchased a totally modified – podium finishing – former Firehawk series 944 S2. The “old” red 944 S2 track car was sold. Now a “real racecar” is in the Giannola stable. Kirk suggests that this 32 yearold Firehawk 944 S2 racecar is truly fun, and fast.

As for his favorite Porsche all-time, Mr. Giannola is a fan of the 917 longtail.

Around south Florida you will find Kirk attending Driver Education (DE) events, a few car shows, museum trips and other happenings sponsored by PCA Gold Coast. Of course, a good bit of his free time is spent at the design table working on our club graphics needs.

Look for Kirk at a future Gold Coast show or race venue. Say hi, and learn a bit about his efforts with the KASSETTE or his racing. We hope you enjoy friendship and his design work for our club. He is a talented and passionate Porsche car guy.