2019 Finalist

When did you start gaming, how old were you, and what was the game?

The first game I can remember being into was NASCAR Racing on MS-DOS. The game was released in 1994, and I was probably around six or seven in the early 2000’s when I played it. I thought it was really cool that you could paint your own custom liveries on the cars down to the individual pixels. If I remember correctly, it was a separate program you had to run to access the livery editor.

Young me had a lot of fun driving the tracks in reverse and smashing as many opponents as I could. Here’s a video that will surely trigger major nostalgia for anyone like me who played back in the day:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr7VxL-sarA

When did you start sim racing, how old were you, and what was the game?

I was always into racing games, but it wasn’t until 2010 when I was 15 years old that I bought my first wheel and pedal set. A used 270-degree Logitech Momo. The first simulators I dabbled with would’ve been rFactor and iRacing. Albeit, due to a very low-spec laptop and abominable internet connection, the driving experience was quite frustrating. Especially for my online opponents whom I’d consistently “lag” into and ruin races for. Sorry!

Favorite track in sim racing?

My favourite track, hands down, in any simulator is Laguna Seca. It’s an absolutely thrilling course to drive, and has great sentimental value for me, being one of the first real tracks I really learned on simulators.

Favorite car in sim racing?

Well, because of WFG2 my favourite car currently is obviously the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 on rFactor 2 or Assetto Corsa.
That said, over the years, my favourite cars to drive have always been Lancias. Any Delta, 037, Stratos. They’re all such pleasures to drive off or on road. I admire the feel of the cars, the style, the sound, and Lancia’s whole story in general.

Dream real-life road car?

There’s just too many to choose from. I’d sure love to get my hands on a Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II!
Of course wouldn’t mind an Aston Martin Vantage either!

Favourite real world motorsport championship?

World’s Fastest Gamer, of course!

Car you would most like to drive for real?

Aston Martin Vantage GT3, on Laguna Seca of course

Track you would most like to drive on for real?

Laguna Seca.  For the same reasons as above.

Real-world motor racing hero?

I couldn’t possibly narrow it down to just one, so I’ll give my top 2…
They would definitely be Rudy Van Buren and Juan Pablo Montoya! Rudy’s achievements so far are inspirational for any young simulator drivers. JP on the other hand was actually the first famous real world racing driver I ever met, and I think its impressive just how many different series he’s participated in, as well as his long streak of success in his early career
.