Getting to know: Team LNT’s Charlie Robertson & Mike Simpson

Next up in our series is Team LNT’s Charlie Robertson and Mike Simpson, below is what they had to say.

What is your earliest memory?
Charlie Robertson
"Playing with Scalextric cars as a child, my dad and I used to turn the lights off and the cars had working headlights, so it was like a mini Le Mans."

Mike Simpson:
"My mum and dad used to be pretty wild, I think I came along as a surprise to them and they didn’t let having a boy slow them down. I remember New Year’s Eve 1986 when I was around three. We lived in a small terrace house and my dad removed all the internal doors and prepared for a massive party. I remember seeing lots of merry adults partying hard and I have some great memories of me joining in with the dance moves!"

If you could invite three people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would they be and why?
CR:

"1.Sir Jackie Stewart, just to hear about all of his stories from racing in the danger years of Formula 1. He was a pioneer of motorsport safety and helped create the sport that we love today. 

2. Nigel Mansell, not only is he an absolute legend of the sport but he’s also a pretty handy magician! 

3. Gordon Ramsey, someone needs to make the food… and swear at me for how badly organised my kitchen is!"

MS:

"1. My favourite childhood character ‘Worzel Gummidge’ played by a wonderful actor called John Pertwee would be my number one guest

2. My racing hero Graham Hill would have to be there - he defined the 60’s motor racing, was a true gentlemen racer on and off the track and worked very hard behind the scenes to make the most of what he had full 

3. Margot Robbie… for obvious reasons!"

What’s your favourite food?
CR:
"Japanese food, in particular sushi. After the race in Fuji last year, I spent a few days in Tokyo with the team and we had some awesome food."

MS:
"Always in the garden and barbecue just about every meal possible. The Simpson family enjoy Greek food very much indeed- fresh calamari and tzatziki to start, followed by pastitsio and the finally a mixed souvlaki with Greek salad."

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
CR:
"To have a safe return to racing! Both for the drivers, team and the fans."

MS: 
"My wish is to finish life thinking I did my best"

Can you tell us something that we wouldn’t know about one of your team-mates?
CR:
"Mike is a black belt in karate."

MS: 
"Unfortunately, I have had to share a room with Charlie Robertson far too many times. The guy has the strangest case of parasomnias I have seen! He frantically kicked the seat in front of him travelling to Dubai so hard that the poor woman in front nearly had a heart attack… clearly just working on his brake pressure while asleep!"

If you could be a professional at any other sport what would it be and why? 
CR:
"Tennis, because you are the machine. It is so different to motorsport as when you are on the court it is just between you and your opponent - you have nowhere to hide."

MS: 
"Pro golfer, I really enjoy the sport. It’s a hard game that tests the individual mentality and ability – you have nowhere to hide in front of a live audience and TV crew. Also, it is one of the few sports you can all play as family competing against each other, which is great fun."

Similarly, if you could attend any sporting event in the world that you haven’t already been to, what would it be? 
CR:
"Isle of Man TT, those guys are crazy."

MS:
"Isle of Man TT also. I would have to ride out with the lads on my Triumph, camp by my bike, meet bike fans from all over the world and watch the nutters out on the roads!"

What’s your most embarrassing moment?
CR:
"My most embarrassing motorsport moment was in 2013. I was doing my first season of single seaters. We drove four hours to Oulton Park early in the morning for my first test in the car, I hopped in and crashed it straight out of the pits on lap 1. It was an awkward journey home…"

MS:
"British GT years ago I woke up on race morning with a bad stomach to put it mildly, to be polite all I will say is I had a severe accident in my nice white racesuit…"

What’s your favourite film and favourite actor?
CR: 
"Wolf of Wall Street and my favourite actor is Will Ferrell"

MS: 
"I really enjoy films, my wife and I must watch around five per week. My favorite film is properly cheesy and not what you would expect – it is A Good Year with Russell Crowe. You can’t beat a good rom com! My favorite actor is Sir Anthony Hopkins"

Do you have any bad habits?
CR:
"Sleep walking/talking, I have had a few issues on flights where I have done some strange things in my sleep. Ask Mike Simpson…."

MS:
"Lots according to my wife. Take at least two baths per day, never close a door, don’t tidy up after myself… all the usual!"

Finally, can you tell us a joke? (Keep it clean please!)   
CR:
"Two aerials meet on a roof – fall in love – get married. The ceremony was rubbish, but the reception was brilliant."

MS:
Too rude to disclose!