Canyon Lake’s Felix Giles an historic driver

BY Ariana Shah

Felix Giles, a Canyon Lake resident of four years, has settled nicely into his new community while those around him know little of his notorious history. He is famous in many circles, including NASCAR and off road racing as well as appearing in motion pictures opposite some of the world’s best-known actors.

Felix Giles has thoroughly enjoyed his time as a new resident of Canyon Lake. He’s lived in the community for four years. Photos courtesy of Felix Giles

And there is the 1990 Baja 1000 Offroad Desert Race where even speeches in Congress were made about him. He participated and finished the famous race, becoming the first African-American to do so. Congressman Louis Stokes spoke before Congress and the Los Angeles Times wrote a feature-length article on the feat.

“I am proud to rise today to salute Felix Giles, a former Clevelander and outstanding race car driver,” Rep. Louis Stokes (D-Ohio) said in a speech before Congress after the race. “Felix recently changed the pages of history by becoming the first African-American to race in the Baja 1000. This represents an important achievement, and I take this opportunity to applaud this young man’s efforts.”

After becoming the first African American to finish the grueling Baja 1000 Off Road race in Mexico, Felix Giles settled into a nice off road racing career. He hopes to return to racing once he’s landed a sponsor.

The Baja 1000 is a grueling race that’s equally rough on both the driver and the vehicle. It involves enduring 1,000 miles of some of the most treacherous terrain in the world. The race normally takes around 30 hours to complete and the only rest the driver receives is during his five-minute fuel stops about every 120 miles. Only about half of the drivers complete the race. During Felix’s first attempt, he survived a rollover and completed the race.

Felix Giles began his racing career as a NASCAR driver. He segued that into off road racing, where he has made quite the name for himself.

And Felix isn’t just known for his NASCAR and off road racing. Many around the country know him as their college professor for Computer Science. Some may have known him from serving side-by-side in the United States Navy. Or even others may recognize him for his work with many charitable organizations and participating in celebrity tennis and golf tournaments. And those with a keen eye will know him from bit parts in several movies and TV shows.

Point is, Felix is a jack of all trades and has led a very busy and diversified life.

Although his exploits are relatively unknown in Canyon Lake, there are those who may recognize him as the guy who jogs around the lake with 40-pound dumbbells.

“Instead of gaining the COVID-19 15, I lost 20 pounds,” he joked.

Since the emergence of the pandemic, Felix was able to settle back into his home of four years in Canyon Lake.

Felix Giles with Jimmie Johnson

“Quarantine is the best at Canyon Lake,” he said. “There are just so many things to do here. One of my favorite things to do, though, is to just sit on my balcony and enjoy the view.”

As Felix looks back on his life, he quickly points to his military service decades ago.

Felix Giles with Will Smith

“The proudest moment in my life was when I qualified for my submarine dolphins in the United States Navy,” he said. “Only three percent of people can qualify to serve aboard submarines. It took a complete year to qualify, learning every system on a submarine and being able to operate it like I went to school for it. To me, that was even bigger than being honored at the White House and on the floor of Congress. Serving my country for 13 years has been my greatest achievement.”

Spreading goodness seems to be a part of Felix’s life motto and he speaks humbly of his work with helping charities and various organizations. Felix used his platform and status as the national spokesman for “The Race Against Drugs,” an FBI-sponsored program.

Felix Giles with Muhammad Ali

For his work, he was invited to the White House by President George H. W. Bush and later received honors from President Bill Clinton. He was recognized by governors, mayors, churches and special interest groups including school systems and colleges across the country.

“I’ve also worked with close to 40 different charities,” Felix said. “I’ve been able to help abused women and children, those who suffer with cancer, those in the Wounded Warrior Project and many more.”

Felix Giles with Michael Jackson

Felix, though, is probably most well-known for his exploits as a driver behind the wheel of race cars and offroad vehicles. He has a legacy as one who helped break through the barrier of African-Americans participating in a largely white man’s sport during his early years as a race driver. He helped pave the way for the black drivers who now participate in racing without issues.

“Making history was pretty cool,” Felix said. “I was the first black person to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the first to complete the Baja 1000 off-road race in Mexico. My mother told me when I was 12 years old that one day I would make history. At the time, I didn’t believe her, but I learned that mother knows best!”

Felix Giles with Arnold Schwarzenegger

His career took a major turn for the worst when in November 2000, Felix suffered significant injuries from a car accident. He injured his heart, spine and neck in the wreck.

Over time, he was able to fully recover. His love for racing never diminished, he said, and he plans to make a comeback. His only obstacle in returning to the sport is in finding a sponsor to finance the endeavor.

“I am trying to find a sponsor to race next year as I attempt my return to racing,” Felix said. “We are trying to make more history. You never know where a sponsorship may come from. Possibly even someone in Canyon Lake!”

Felix Giles with David Hasselhoff

As things begin to settle down for Felix, he makes sure to reflect on what is important to him now.

“I have more time behind me than I do in front of me,” he said. With the time I have left, I truly want to make a positive difference in the lives of others.’’