Paul Hamilton: Driver of the # 77 Miskatonic Lola
Currently leading the overall standings and 2nd season LMP-1
The PORRS crew had some questions for the Indian native and long time SIM competitor.
PORRS: Besides Sim Racing what do you do to unwind?
Paul: I run a political chat board called The First Amendment of Delphiforums. It's been around for 11 1/2 years now and we get about 60 people a day writing about 300 notes between them. I also love old b-movie science fiction.
PORRS: What is your current profession?
Paul: I help Brenda with the Indiana Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, which is a non-profit advocacy group. She answers the phone and does the direct contact with family members and I do everything else from writing manuals and brochures to running the website.
PORRS: Who knew. If you weren't retired, you would need to be. Sounds like that keeps you pretty busy. Get me the link to the website and I'll be glad to post it here.
PORRS: What got you interested in Sim Racing?
Paul: I've been interested in real racing as far back as I can remember. My first Indy 500 was 1955, when I was 3 years old, and I attended regularly for many years. When I was about 10, I got interested in slot cars and raced them until I turned 16 and got a real car that I raced on the street. I also did some TSD rallying and Solo II Autocross. I became interested in computer racing from the very beginning with Indy 500. The Simulation and World Circuit. I've gotten every legitimate racing sim that's come out ever since with a special love for Grand Prix Legends, which I raced for many years.
PORRS: Very interesting, seems we traveled very similar paths....Slot Cars, R/C Cars for me. Did the Indy Sim thing and World Circuit. I really believe GPL is and under appreciated SIM. GPL ROCKS.
PORRS: Do you like watching real racing?
Paul: Absolutely
PORRS: What form of racing do you like best?
Paul: Prototypes and F1
PORRS: Who is your favorite driver(s)?
Paul: Today, it would be Lewis Hamilton, but I also have a fond spot for Kyle Busch of NASCAR since he irritates so many people who follow that form of racing. Early on, I was a huge fan of Jim Clark.
PORRS: Lewy and Roudy.....Interesting combination :)
PORRS: Have you ever been to a racing event?
Paul: Many Indy 500's and SCCA events in which I participated, served as a corner worker or just watched.
PORRS: That must have been pretty cool being a SCCA corner worker. Can't think of a better seat in the house.
PORRS: What other leagues do you compete in?
Paul: You name it, I've raced it. out of the many, the most significant is TPTCC. I participated in their very first event in 1995 and have run that league almost every season since, winning a couple group B titles along the way.
PORRS: Ohhh yes the TPTCC. I'm sure I've been on the other end of your Championships more than once....ROFL.
PORRS: Who is your favorite Race Announcer / Team
Paul: I like the Speed F1 announce team. I also like Darrell Waltrip. My favorite teams are Brumos Porsche in Grand AM. The Flying Lizards Porsche in GT and Anybody-But-Audi in ALMS prototypes and the European series. The Peugeot and Dome particularly catch my attention as well as the new Dyson Mazda in ALMS. No real favorite team in F1 at the moment but if USF1 really happens, that will be my favorite.
PORRS: What is your Favorite type of music?
Paul: Anything from the late 60's to early 70's
PORRS: What is your favorite band(s)
Paul: Yes, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Jefferson Airplane, Emerson Lake and Palmer and any of Eric Clapton's groups are at the top, but I have a huge collection of music and listen to all sorts of artist as the mood strikes me.
PORRS: Where is your favorite place to eat.
Paul: Subway and a local greasy spoon called Art's that makes the world's best roast beef sandwich -- see below
PORRS: Ok, there you heard it. Next time your in Indiana look up Art's. It is so true about the little hole in the wall or greasy spoons. Hard to top some of those.
PORRS: What is your favorite food?
Paul: I love a spicy roast beef sandwich with peppers and so full of juice that is soaks the bread and makes a mess when you eat it. Also like Philly Cheesesteak and Stromboli.
PORRS: Ok, now I'm hungry.
PORRS: What is your favorite beverage?
Paul: COFFEE! There is no other drink! :)
PORRS: Anything else you would like to add?
Paul: I just want to say that all the leagues I've ever run, PORRS is the most friendly and the most enjoyable. It reminds me of the golden era of GPL when people were truly in it for the fun and when sportsmanship was more important than winning.
PORRS: Appreciate that Brudda, but it's people like you that make this what it is. It's been a pleasure Paul and keep on that quest for the overall Championship.