Name: Hank Taylor
Volunteer Position(s): Docent, Events
I started volunteering in: April 2019
Q: When and how did you become a motorsports enthusiast?
Since birth! Although trains and fire trucks really got my attention in my early years; I have always been fascinated with cars. Then in my late teens I took my 1959 Chevy to the Sunset Drag Strip at Panama City Beach, Florida where I won my first trophy and I have been a lifelong motorsports enthusiast ever since.
Q: What kind of influence has that had on your life?
How cars work and what makes them perform the way they do led me to a technical career. I worked in the computer industry where I started as a systems design engineer and ultimately became the director of marketing.
Q: What makes volunteering at World of Speed meaningful to you?
Being a part of this wonderful museum and getting to work with the knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Having the opportunity to meet the many fascinating people who visit.
Q: What is the most memorable experience of your time volunteering?
One Thursday afternoon I was chatting with a visitor who told me he held a land speed record. I told him he would enjoy our “Wall of Speed” that list many of the land speed records. We wished each other a pleasant day and I went on to great other visitors. Sometime later I saw him looking at the “Wall of Speed” display. When he saw me, he motioned me over. As I arrived, he commented this is very impressive, I am on the wall three times. There he was Rocky Robinson motorcycle land speed record holder. We both laughed and agreed this must be a very good museum.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about World of Speed?
It is more than a motorsports museum. It provides educational opportunities for students from several local schools in conjunction with Clackamas Community College. Provides great camps and activities for kids and is very involved with the Wilsonville community.
Q: If you could choose any vehicle to be displayed in the museum, what would it be?
Several, they would be the mid 60s Super Stocks. 409 Chevy, 406 Ford and 413 Dodge and Plymouth.
Q: What is your dream car?
My 1979 Corvette – if I ever get it finished or maybe a new Corvette ZR1?
