Jeff Farmer - When did you decide to get into the Simulator cockpit business?

John Houle - In 1995, I was in the field of designing and manufacturing steering wheels for the computer gaming industry. With the growth of hardware and software becoming more prevalent in the industry, I knew it was time for realism with a desktop simulator. This was the only way I could see to achieve the full affect of racing.

JF - Have you been involved in other similar businesses that may have helped you in your latest venture?

JH - Yes. As I previously mentioned, I was involved with the steering wheels. I have also experienced gaming at its core, while participating in various game shows, specifically the E-3 show. This allowed me to see the latest upcoming innovative products, such as software, peripherals, and operating systems.

JF - What gave you the idea for the flight/racing simulator cockpit?

JH - Once again, the idea came with wanting a product that would allow the player realism and the ability to achieve the full affect of racing. One of my favorite hobbies is racing go-karts. Combined with my experience in racing This allowed me to incorporate actuality and realism while designing our simulator.

JF - What exactly are the materials used to construct one of these units?

JH - Our sim/flight cockpits are designed using metal tubing, which mainly consists of all-metal structure tubing. This also allows for a lifetime warranty on the frames. Our product also has an authentic NASCAR NHRA racing seat. You may ask why? After thorough comparison and testing, we found this allows the driver the most comfort and the product far surpasses all the others.

JF - Can they be customized to fit any size of person?

JH - Yes. Years ago I owned NorCal Gym and Equipment, Inc. We were designers and manufacturers of workout equipment. I don't think there is any other business that requires personal body contouring for a product. We do have multiple adjustments to allow for personal contouring.

JF - Can they be transported around easily so I can pack it up and head off to my Lan races with?

JH - Yes. The sim/flight racer currently ships with a full size racing seat. With the seat it ships in a 22" x 24" x 36" box. Without the seat it ships in a 18" x18" x15" box (not much larger than a steering wheel box). Note* If this a problem for the traveling racer we have designed a breakdown seat that gives the feel of the real racing seat and will allow for packing in the smaller box).

JF - Are they constructed to fit any name brand wheel on the market, and can it be customized to fit my homemade wheel?

JH - Yes. They will fit any wheel that mounts on a desktop. However, we will customize on a "as requested/needed basis".

JF - Can I hook up my dreamcast, nintendo, all those other console systems so that my son can use it also?

JH - Yes. However the problem we have experienced is that they don't take the steering wheel peripherals as serious as the PC designs. Therefore your mount applications are slightly different. We have accommodated for this. Personally, I would like to see a nice wheel and Papyrus design a version of their NASCAR game for the dreamcast system.

JF - What is the most unique part of this product?

JH - The product is unique in itself. However the multiple adjustments for the body and patented foot pedal mechanism allows for the ultimate in comfort. The foot pedal mechanism gives the driver the most realistic foot position other than actually driving a race car.

JF - What have you done to make the foot pedal mechanism a more realistic position?

JH -The current foot pedal peripherals on the market, look like real racing pedals but failed to achieve the real feel of a racing car foot pedal. This is due trying to incorporate a racing position to a person's sitting position in an office chair. We at Simpros have patented a mechanism that places the pedal position exactly as it should be in a driving position. We have taken this one step further in that we are currently upgrading our mechanism with a gear ratio allowing the driver more throw on the foot pedal for a wider range of motion on the accelerator. This allows the driver the realistic feel of a " race car pedal" and also allows the driver to feel a wider range in the potentiometer for more accurate RPM readings. We have also designed a clutch pedal that can be used with the Thomas racing wheel although this is seen mostly in F1 and Indy Car software. Hopefully in the future will be NASCAR racing with a clutch ( or as we say, "As Real as it gets!).

JF - I run in a few leagues and in the past have run 100% leagues , will this cockpit give me the comfort I need for those 2-4hr long races?

JH - Absolutely. This is where we feel the Sim Racer has lived up to the true test. Though it is rare that an average gamers will typically get into a four hour race without a break or take the option to save his game for later play, the devoted Sim Racer driver will sit through a four hour race, driving as competitive in the first lap as in the last. Personally, I have a huge respect for these guys (maybe it's because I have tried a few of these races myself and believe me it was quite exhausting!). Keeping this sort of intensity in mind, we designed our Sim Racer to have the type of comfort needed for this kind of endurance. This is exactly the kind of feedback we receive from our serious users.

JF - I understand that one of your cockpits was at the Likereal Lan event in charlotte this year, and was awarded to the first place finisher in the pro division. Any idea if there will be anymore sponsorship plans in the Future?

JH - Yes. Currently we are sponsoring a few different leagues, including some DTR leagues. We will also be at the Orlando LikeReal LAN event in May sponsoring a couple of races. At this time we will also be introducing our new Sim Racer with all the upgrades. It will be slightly more expensive but will have all the bells and whistles.

JF - Do you have any other products on the horizon we can look forward to soon?

JH - Yes. But like any other manufacturer, to disclose any information at this time could be harmful! We are always looking at new ideas and have many things in the works. Just keep checking our web site. You'll be the first to know!

I would like to say simply that my experience in this field dictates the know-how on the product we have produced known as the Sim Racer. It is just simply a beautiful piece of work too long in the waiting.