posted Nov 23rd, 2006 - The December issue of the Skydiving Magazine includes an interesting interview with the founder of Team Fastrax, John Hart. The NSL News has followed the path of John Hart and his team with many articles ever since the first line-up of the 4-way team was formed in 2001.

However, Team Fastrax has come a long way ever since, and John Hart's vision of a professional skydiving team has materialized in many ways. Team Fastrax does not only a successful 4-way line-up. In fact, the more important work for John Hart's project is getting done by a very busy demo team.

Public Relations and Marketing of many different aspects of the sport to the media, the general public and the corporate business world have always been a major part of John Hart's business plan. The project has now completed its 5th year, and it has become self-sufficient and profitable, as the Skydiving Magazine reports:

"Team Fastrax is now among the world's biggest commercial parachuting teams, with more than 20 members, loads of gear, several logo-wrapped vehicles, and a portable wind tunnel under construction. Its competition team is accomplished and respected, and its high-profile outreach shows the sport to government and big business in a positive light."

The interview with John Hart by Robin Heid offers many insights of the Fastrax business operation and the connections between the team and the corporate sponsors. However, it also shows very clearly what a passionate 4-way fan the project founder and successful businessman is.

He leaves no doubt that he is addicted to 4-way training and competition and makes it no secret that he wants to win a World Championship of Formation Skydiving in 4-way eventually. His favorite event is not the main marketing tool though. The Fastrax demo team and Canopy Piloting are of even more importance for the success of the project.

John Hart believes that the combination of 4-way and Canopy Piloting is promising for the future presentation of skydiving to the general public. However, Canopy Piloting will become the main stage for skydiving in his eyes. He plans to use the new attractive discipline for marketing purposes and become even more involved in swooping events.

Team Fastrax already has a high-profile Canopy Piloting team, with Kaz Sheekey, Scott Roberts and Brian McNenney in the line-up. John Hart's plans for the 2007 season include event organization and management of swooping events. The show effects of these events will help the sport in general, including his own 4-way team.

John Hart is also a strong and consistent supporter of the National Skydiving League. The NSL shares the same vision with him, which includes the goal and perspective of presenting skydiving successfully to the general public, the media and the corporate business world.

John Hart expresses parts his own vision in the interview with Robin Heid: "I also believe there are kids out there who want to emulate success, who want good role models, and I believe skydivers can be great role models who get kids to say: I want to do that some day, I want to be that guy. Thet already gravitate toward the wind tunnels. They want to learn how to fly. There are batting cages for baseball; why not wind tunnels for skydiving?"

The interview in the newest Skydiving Magazine includes many more intersting aspects of John Hart's broader and visionary view. His plans for the 2007 season are in full swing by now, and they do not only include Team Fastrax' goal to win the USPA Nationals 2007 and qualify for the World Meet in 2008. The NSL is looking forward to sharing many of the projects with John Hart, and the NSL News will keep the skydiving community updated.