Our Third Porsche Sold

154,600 miles

Unlike some garage queens, my Porsches are driven in earnest. Indeed, on race tracks designed for such machines to be driven as intended. The exhilaration on track is difficult to convey to those who have never experienced professional race driving instruction. Mark Taylor was one of my first track driving instructors. We met in Charlotte, North Carolina. In a few months, Mark began helping us with branding and marketing programs. His team helped us care for 125 customers for the Detroit Grand Prix. This included our own tent inside the track on a special turn point. Great seats, excellent food, and our guest list included key clients, guests from Europe, too. I love bringing people together who may not yet know each other. Saturday evening, we had a group of 50 for a special meal, including one of the drivers as a guest speaker. We gave all guests signed artwork of the Newman Haas IndyCars.

Mark and I kept in touch. One morning, I was in his town signing a contract to become the new president of Hawk Performance. Mark’s office was in the Terminal Tower, across the street from the BP building where I conducted my meetings. I called and asked him if he could meet. He was stunned. He pulled up to the curb, driving his Porsche 924.

A few months later, this photo was taken of us together at Nelson Ledges, an old TransAm street circuit where we attended a 2-Day Porsche DE training experience. He was now instructing for Porsche DE sessions.

Mark and his wife helped us find our home in Bay Village, Ohio. He now serves as a top marketing exec for Stoddards Porsche NLA specialists. We traveled together in Germany to visit Porsche Zuffenhausen operations.

As Melo-Yello made lap after lap, I enjoyed seeking the best turn in markers for max speed. Great track to fine-tune your skills.

After 154,600 miles, we sold Mello Yello to a university lady from Texas. We met at Tugs Grill in Harbor Town. She and her dad drove from Texas to Memphis. Tennessee. They were impressed with the car maintenance booklets and files for all expenses over those miles.

Time for Porsche #4.

Enjoy the holiday season. Stay safe on the roads, my friends.

Rob Nelson in Collierville, Tennessee