Name: Tom Jamison
Volunteer Position(s): Archive
I started volunteering in: January 2018
Q: When and how did you become a motorsports enthusiast?
I have always enjoyed cars. Motorsports became a big part of my life when, in 2002, I went to Indianapolis for the first time and visited the track while the teams were practicing and doing time trials. Sitting at the edge of the track and having a car go by me at 200 miles per hour gave me a thrill that I could not explain.
All the excitement around the industry has kept me interested and engaged. The innovation and technical parts have always excited me. I have worked in the high-tech software and hardware industry since I graduated from college, so I am always interested in the next new thing.
Q: What makes volunteering at World of Speed meaningful to you?
I work in the Archives. My biggest enjoyment comes from working with artifacts from people’s lives and being able to take that history and put it into some kind of order so that other people can understand the accomplishments of each individual. I enjoy the excitement on people’s faces when they see what we have to offer. The best thing is the influence and impact it has on kids. I am happy to be involved with World of Speed because the mission of the organization is important. When I am out in the community wearing my WOS shirt I get a lot of positive reinforcement from people.
Q: What is the most memorable experience of your time volunteering?
The Saturday that we brought a Dragster, an Indy car and a NASCAR outside [for Art Pollard Day in May] and started them up. I learned a lot that day getting to be up close to each car.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about World of Speed?
There is no limit to the number of things that you can learn by being here on a regular basis. It is a place where there is always something interesting going on.
Q: If you could choose any vehicle to be displayed in the museum, what would it be?
Jaguar XK 120 or Jaguar E Type
Q: What is your dream car?
Older Jaguars and Ferrari
