Follow your dream.

That’s what Meridian native Ashley Mosby has done for the past five years since deciding she wanted a career in NASCAR.

A 1994 graduate of Meridian High School, Mosby had never been interested in auto racing until she watched the 2001 Daytona 500. But from that point, she was hooked.

“Before that, I really had no interest in racing,” Mosby said. “But it was pretty exciting, and I wanted to be a part of it in some way.”

At the time, Mosby worked at the Meridian Naval Air Station as a travel coordinator. As she learned more about NASCAR, she decided her skills would be a good fit for the sport.

She also went for one of the top organizations, applying with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. But getting into the business was easier said than done.

“I applied by Internet and really didn’t get anywhere,” Mosby said. “You have to be up here in person and meet people to get into the business.”

So, she moved to Mooresville, N.C., and joined the staff of driver Derrike Cope.

“I’m a mama’s baby and no one believed that I was going to move up here,” Mosby said. “But that’s how you get into the sport.

“I moved up here with plans to work for DEI. I live four minutes away from the corporate headquarters. I can run home at lunch and let my dogs out,” Mosby said. “I got my first job with Derrike Cope and helped him run his businesses.”

Part of that included scoring laps for driver Hermy Sadler on the weekends, and that took her to most NASCAR tracks. She also made contacts within the sport and that helped her last year when she again applied at DEI.

“I interviewed for the job last March and was hired in December,” Mosby said. “I really couldn’t be happier. It’s a big place but everyone has been friendly. It’s a very professional place but it’s very comfortable.”

A travel coordinator takes care of all the details when the team is on the road. While the drivers stay at the track in motor homes, there are arrangements to be made for the crews and other staff involved in the weekly races. Also, special travel arrangements are needed when the drivers test at different tracks or make special appearances.

“I help take care of whoever, whatever and wherever we travel,” Mosby said.

Another part of her job is to schedule appearances for the No. 8 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. car, like the one that will be held this afternoon at Nelson Hall Chevrolet from 12:30 until 6:30 p.m.

“I’m glad I was able to get the car back to my hometown,” Mosby said. “We go all over. We try to schedule as many appearances as possible and I was glad this worked out.”

Mosby is the daughter of Rosemary Mosby of Meridian. She is a graduate of Meridian Community College where she majored in nursing and business.

“I have been to 75 percent of the NASCAR tracks,” Mosby said. “I don’t travel now, though I may get to go to Talladega this year. But I did in my other job.

“I enjoy my work and put everything into it. I am very fortunate to have this opportunity.”