Paul Hatcher: 'I just loved the participation.'
Title
Paul Hatcher: 'I just loved the participation.'
Subject
Paul Hatcher
Description
For motor sport enthusiast Paul Hatcher, stock car racing was all about participation: ‘I loved…being part of it – the drivers, the club, the social side of it, getting dirty, just driving around.’ In this oral history, Paul described how his love of cars was nurtured by family from an early age, and how his desire to be a racing driver led to a long and successful involvement with stock car racing in and around Kent. Paul, who now lives in Rochester, also spoke about his admiration for Jackie Stewart, taking up slot car racing as a hobby, and much more besides.
Creator
Michael Romyn
Publisher
Kent's Sporting Memories
Contributor
Paul Hatcher; Michael Romyn
Collection Items
Paul Hatcher at Crayford Stadium, Bexley, in 1972
A photograph of Paul Hatcher sitting on the bonnet of his Ford Anglia 'Hot Rod' at Crayford Stadium in Bexley in 1972. Paul had just won his first race, in just his second attempt at stock car racing.
Overturned car at Ford Anglia race at Lydden Hill, Kent, in 1974
A photograph of Paul Hatcher's Ford Anglia (26) next to an overturned vehicle and its driver at Lydden Hill Race Circuit in 1974.
Brochure for the 1976 Festival of Speed at Brands Hatch, Kent
A brochure produced by the 1976 Festival of Speed, an annual 'Multi Formula Championship Meeting' that took place at Brands Hatch in Kent. Paul Hatcher is listed in the brochure under the 'Anglias' event.
Paul Hatcher at Brands Hatch Circuit, Kent, in 1976
A photograph of Paul Hatcher (middle distance; holding a helmet, leaning against a wall) looking on at his Ford Anglia (26), at Brands Hatch, in 1976. Paul's Anglia had 'spun out backwards' and suffered a puncture.
Paul Hatcher at Arena Essex Raceway, c. 1982
A photograph of Paul Hatcher driving his Ford Escort 'Hot Rod' at Arena Essex Raceway in approximately 1982.
Paul Hatcher with sons Stuart and Mark at Arena Essex Raceway, 1985
A photograph of Paul Hatcher and sons Stuart (R) and Mark (L) in front of his Toyota Corolla Coupe stock car at Arena Essex Raceway in 1985. Stuart is holding the trophy for the race his father just won.
Paul Hatcher and Jackie Stewart, 2016
A photograph of Paul and Jackie Stewart, taken in June 2016. Paul has long been an admirer of Jackie, having first watched him race at Brands Hatch in 1969. He named his sons Stuart and Mark (the name of Jackie's youngest son) in honour of the racing…
Paul Hatcher: 'I just loved the participation.'
A photograph of Paul Hatcher at his home in Rochester, Kent, on 13 July 2021.