Gumout Pontiac Simulator

by Jeff Cope

On August 5th, I visited the Gumout Pontiac simulator at a local grocery store in the Woodlands, Texas. I have seen show cars before but never a simulator so was not sure what to expect. When I arrived, the simulator from the right side looked just like a show car. However, on the left side, the driver's side had been removed to allow easy access to the driver's seat.

I introduced myself to simulator driver Howard Gibson as president of the Derrike Cope Fan Club, and he said surprisingly, "Seriously?" He said a lot of people visit the simulator with some being NASCAR fans already and others just curious. The common questions people ask are "Who drives the car?" and "Who's Derrike Cope?"  I was listening when one visitor asked the question of who drives the car and when Howard replied Derrike, he said, "I've heard of him."  That made me feel pretty good.

Howard showed me the car. Sitting above the steering wheel was the racing simulator. In fact, it was the video game Daytona USA by Sega. Visitors can sit in the car and take 8 laps around the track for free. Not bad when you consider how much you have to spend at the arcade. I took my turn in starting 41st and finished in 21st. Not too bad for the first time.

I was curious if the car had an engine and Howard popped the hood and showed me that instead of an engine, the compartment was filled with the video game controls. This meant that Howard had to push the car everywhere and use the winch that is in the trailer. He said that he often gets help from people watching to push the car and they love having their photos taken while pushing the car.

Since it was during my lunch break, I had to get back to work but first I had to take another spin around the track. This time I finished 17th -- getting better.

Before I left, I gave Howard a couple business cards with the website address. Oh, and I took his information and Howard is now a Derrike Cope Fan Club member.  Welcome Howard!

Simulator driver Howard Gibson