How quickly time flies! Around this time in 2010, my father and I were in the beginning stages of creating the Mid South region. Having been NASA members for a combined 12 years, we were totally sold on the NASA model. We had attended events in many regions as customers and would always compare and contrast the experiences, both the good and the not-so-good while hanging out in the motorhome at night. In business, Taylors can be hard-headed and like to have the freedom to be an entrepreneur, but with the basic framework laid out in a common sense manner. The NASA model lets us do exactly that.
After an initial conversation with the national headquarters, we created a business plan, submitted it, and had several meetings. Just before Christmas, we were notified that we were approved.
Our first year consisted of five track events at three different tracks: two at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, two at Memphis International Raceway, and one at Nashville Superspeedway. Jim and Julie Pantas of the Southeast Region mentored us and attended each of our events. For that, we are eternally grateful.
During our second year, we added NASA-X autocross.
Over the course of the last five years, we have met countless numbers of great people that make NASA special. As time goes on, I especially enjoy cross-over events with other regions where we can reconnect with people we met when we were customers, meet new folks, and work with some of the most dedicated, hard-working volunteers. At NASA events, the people truly make a difference and ramp up the fun factor.
As a region, we take pride in being on time, friendly, and accommodating. We will never stop learning and improving our events. So, I want to say “thank y’all” to our growing NASA Mid South family.
Every couple of months, I go back and read that business plan, especially where we thought we would be in five years. On some things, we were pretty close to reality. Some, not so much. One thing for certain is that we have had a hell of a lot of fun.
I cannot end without also giving a shout out to team NASA Mid South: Cheryl, Gayla, Richard, Charles, Drew, Michael, Erik, Janet, Tal, Kurtis, Arnie, Johnathon, Pam, Brian, Nathan, Dave, Jeremy and Brandon. We miss you greatly Steve Myers and Ricky Ricks. See you at the track!
