On the fast track: exec has a racing spirit - Personal Passions - Brief Article

Black Enterprise, June, 2002 by Kimberly J. Hamilton

When Pastor Taffi L. Dollar needs a diversion from it all, where does she go? The first lady of 20,000-member World Changers Church International and president and CEO of Arrow Records, both located in College Park Georgia, heads to the racetrack--exchanging her high-heel shoes and Chanel business suit for personalized driving attire.

Her unusual attraction to high-velocity machines began as a child in Atlanta. "I was the only girl and I have two older brothers, They were always doing something along the line of motorcycles and going fast, and that got into me from being around them," she explains. "I like speed, I like acceleration--I get into all of that."

She became smitten with racing while on vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with her husband, Dr. Creflo A. Dollar Jr. "We went on the track and drove some racecars," she says. "I felt great. I felt like this is what I've been looking for. I drove close to 100 miles per hour!

"I feel out of control; my heart is racing; adrenaline is flowing like water," continues this mother of five who, at times, has concerns about her unusual interest. "Sometimes I think that I shouldn't be doing this as a mother and wife--[that it's] irresponsible and somewhat childish. I still push the pedal to the metal, and it's all worth every moment of the thrill."

Getting Started

* EDUCATION: Take a class at your local speedway or contact a local racing school.

* RECOMMENDATION: The Buck Baker Racing School (www.buckbaker.com), and The Richard Petty Racing School (www.1800bepetty.com).

* DRIVING COSTS: Expect to spend $400 for a half a day, with supervision, on the track.