Spring Has Sprung
It is the time of the year when the anticipation level is high. Things have started to thaw after a long winter. People are coming out of hibernation. We are getting ready to kickoff the 2008 racing season in the Northeast. What are you looking forward to the most this year? What has you all excited with anticipation for the new racing season? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Spring is a wonderful time of year. The grass starts to green up, the trees grow new leaves, the flowers start to bloom and the racetracks open up for business; the smell of burning rubber and race fuel. One of the true indications that spring is here.
This week we kick things off with the Icebreaker at Thompson, then we head to Waterford for the Bud Nationals and on to Stafford at the end of the month for the Sizzler. Sneak in a quick trip to SC for the Camping World East opener and April becomes a month when we crank it up.
I wonder though, spring gives each one of us the opportunity to start over, to make changes, to take our life in a new direction. When we wake from our winter hibernation, we can walk in a new direction.
We are accustomed to making our resolutions in January when the New Year starts, but how many of those see the light of day in February? I think now might be a better time to focus on starting new things, taking our lives in a new direction.
Life is interesting in a way. We have many opportunities to start over. We have many opportunities to change the course of our life. Life gives us those everyday. Eventually though the days wind down and the chance to live differently passes us by.
Scripture tells us that no man knows the day or hour of the Lord’s return. People will still be going about their daily activities when He returns. We do not know when our last day will be. Are we prepared? Are we ready?
Let me ask you this, If Jesus walked up to you this afternoon, would you welcome him. Most of us would start scrambling around to get things in order. Don’t worry, none of us are ready. However, some of us are more prepared than others. Some of us have taken steps to make our lives right with God. We have turned to him, asked for His forgiveness, and invited Jesus to come into our lives as our Savior.
Spring time gives us a fresh perspective, a new outlook on the year ahead. Now is the time, today is the day to accept the sacrifice Jesus made for you. Only then are we prepared for his return.
How do you do that? Well, it is a little easier than setting up a race car. You don’t need an entire team. It is something you do on your own. No one can make the decision for you. There are some basic ingredients you need.
First, you have to want to. You cannot do it because you think someone else wants you to. You cannot do it if you are just doing it to be included. You have to want it deep down in your heart. The decision has to be yours and it has to be from your heart.
Second, we need to accept the sacrifice of Jesus, His death and resurrection. He made the sacrifice we couldn’t make and God accepts that sacrifice as atonement for our transgressions.
Third, you have to turn to God to receive His forgiveness. Just like no one can make the decision for you, no one can forgive your transgressions other than God. He is the only one who can and will, when we ask with all our heart, forgive us. When we call on the name of Jesus and claim His sacrifice God accepts that and forgives us.
Forth, a new life is born in you. The Holy Spirit comes and resides within you. He is there to guide, counsel, teach and help us live a life that honors God. Think of it like your conscience. His voice is there talking to you, guiding you the right way.
Spring is a wonderful time of year to begin life anew. I think it is a great time to accept the gift that was offered for us. It is also a great time to get back in touch with God. Lets face it sometimes we drift away from the right path. We go our own way instead of the way that is right. Now is the time to return to God, bend your knees and seek Him out. Confess your sins and let Him forgive and heal your soul.
Remember our Winter Bible Study? Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
God is there and ready to restore us. God desires that we have a loving and close relationship with Him. Return to him today for the first time or for the hundredth time. He is waiting there to forgive and restore you. God Bless.
Acts 14:12, Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
THOMPSON ONCE AGAIN- Many WMT regulars made the trip to Thompson for open practice. Among them 0 – Danny Sammons, 3 – Ryan Preece, 10 – Ed Flemke, 11 – Anthony Sesely, 17 – Glen Reen, 21 – Richard Savory, 28 – James Civali, 32 – Tom Abele. Jr., 46 – Eric Beers, 58 – Kevin Goodale, 90 – Renee Dupuis, 93 – Rowan Pennink, 99 – Jamie Tomaino. A few of the cars were sporting new color schemes, #10 was yellow and white, the #99 was yellow and newcomer #17 was white. Check out Howie’s photos for the new 2008 look.
ICEBREAKER TO REMEMBER 60 YEARS OF MODIFIEDS- The oldest, newest and winningest Modified Champions will be honored as the 60th season begins. 1952 Champion and oldest living Champion, Frankie Schneider will be on hand along with 2007 Champion Donny Lia and in between family representatives of the late 9-time Champion Richie Evans will be on hand to kickoff the 2008 Whelen Modified Tour Season.
This will be a great time to remember where we have come from and where we are in Modified racing. We will remember the drivers who gave us all those memories. I am sure the stories will abound, remembering the races of the past and the fun we had as we look forward to another 60 years of Modified racing!
LW MILLAR PICKS UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF- No secret that LW likes Caraway. He would love to race the entire tour there, but that wouldn’t be much of a tour now would it. He proved once again that he has this place figured out and took the top spot as he inaugurated his title defense.
WSMT FALLS VICTIM TO THE WEATHER- The WSMT race scheduled for this past weekend at Southern National was canceled due to rain. No reschedule date has been announced. Speaking of weather…..
SNOW CHANGES TRUE VALUE MODIFIED OPENER- Monadnock is still dealing with snow cover so the opener looks like Lee. The new snowfall this past week may even delay that. Let’s face it the north country got more than there fair share of the white stuff and we may be waiting until late April to see some racing in Northern New England.
WATERFORD READY TO GO WITH A WHO’S WHO FIELD OD SK’S- Matt Hirschman will be back and hopes to inch out a win and improve on his second place finish last year to Speedbowl regular Jeff Pearl. Saw Jeff over the off-season and he is looking forward to getting back out there and defending his title. Other names in competition include Gada, Christopher, Yuhas, Pitkat, Hutchings, Paul, Summers, Ruocco, Malave, Horton and others. I am looking forward to seeing this great start to the SK season.
OPEN PRACTICE OPEN TO TOUR CARS- April 19 is the day, Stafford is the place. Open practice this year will have a different feel. For the first time the practice will be open to Whelen Tour Modified contenders. The one-week rule that had been in place has been put aside at least for the Thompson and Stafford practice sessions. We’ll have to wait and see if it is permanently rescinded.
LIA CLAIMS FIRST TOP TEN- Donny Lia posted his best finish yet in his Autism Speaks Craftsman Truck series ride for TRG Racing. The last time he visited Martinsville he won. I am sure this is an indication of things to come. Keep your eyes out for a diecast of the truck. I am sure Donny will autograph it for Jaws Jr.
I am sure I’ll see you on the road somewhere this week, be sure to honk and wave. God Bless, have a great week.
Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and apparel. See them at the Online Apparel Store at www.RWJM.org. Call us with your prayer and counseling needs and list all your prayer needs, no matter what part of our racing family you are in, with the Racing Family Prayer Request Page www.rwjm.org/page/prayers.php also send your prayer request by mail. Until next time, remember that God loves you, we love you and
Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
Mail reaches us at Racing with Jesus Ministries, PO Box 586, Tolland, CT 06084. Check our weekly printed pages in “Area Auto Racing News”, the East Coast’s largest weekly racing paper” See our on-line Apparel Store for subscription information. Check our home page www.rwjm.org for past articles. We invite you to input your thoughts as you sign our Guest Book. Please remember, we can only do what we do because of your prayerful financial support.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
May God always Bless you, everyday in everyway. Rev. Don
CHECKERED CHEERS
***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***
April 4
MARK & LINDA GEER- The former Waterford Speedbowl Mod Inspector and Speedbowl Office Manager wife have their 38th anniversary.
April 7
HARRY & PEGGY SOLT- This NH based NASCAR CWES GRAND NATIONAL crewman and wife share their 35th anniversary.
RED & MARGIE RAYNOR- The former Long Island Freeport Speedway driver and wife from Deer Park, LI have their 39th.
April 8
DOC & CAROL LEHMAN- This Smithville, OH AARN and RPM columnist and wife have their 30th wedding anniversary.
PAUL & HEATHER FRANTZ- This Mountain Speedway couple celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
April 2
JOHN SWANSON- Concord, MA NASCAR BES driver/Crew Chief.
DAN PARDUS- Daytona Beach, FL NASCAR driver.
ED WATSON- Mt. Vernon, WA NASCAR West driver.
JOHN R. JANISITIS- The son of the late Waterford and Seekonk Public Relation Director in the 70’s and 80’s, John Janisitis and wife Ruth.
April 3
JOE BUSCH- Norwich, CT Tri-State 4 cyl. Kart driver.
MIKE HURLBERT- Lynden, WA NASCAR West driver.
MIKE KOST- New Jersey born and raised Sprint Cup team member.
LISA RAINONE- Wife of NASCAR CWES driver Anthony.
TIARA BUSCH- Kart driver Joe and wife Fran’s daughter is 17.
SHANE CONNOLLY- Son of Endicott, NY NASCAR WMT driver Tim is 20.
April 4
TOM PECK- McConnelsburg, PA BGN and Dirt Big Block LM driver.
BOB BAKER- Sharon, VT ProStock driver.
HEATH TOMAR- Son of Greensboro, NC track GM Larry.
CINDY SAVLUK- Wife of Lisbon, CT’s Roger at Savluk Service Center.
DONNA HANKS- Wife of Somers, CT LM driver Scott.
ED PERRY III- Seekonk Speedway Prostock driver.
April 5
SIERRA JESANIS- niece of RWJM President Rev. Don will be 12.
KATIE STANDLEY- proprietor of Lady Eagleware and the wife and number one partner of James, proprietor of the famous Design 500 in Seattle, WA, and maker of the RWJM Chaplain Uniforms and Driver Uniforms in partnership with ASI Racewear, also the Ministry Northwest Coordinators and board members, has her special day. Praise the Lord!
MIKE BLISS- Milwaukee, OR USAC Midget and NASCAR NSC/NNS/Truck driver.
DAVE ASHLEY- Riverside, CA LM driver.
MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER, JR.- The son of Plainville, CT Modified driver Mike and wife Jennifer is 8.
ROSE FRYE- The wife of Ferrell,NJ Team owner Warren “Jeep” and grandmother of Glenn, JR.
DAVE PETFIELD- Brother of Dan and treasurer of Racing with Jesus Ministries.
April 6
AFFONSO GIAFFONE- Sao Paulo, Brazil IRL driver.
KEVIN REX- Pennsy asphalt Modified driver.
WAYNE PATTERSON- Richmond, VA LMSC driver.
KEN BOUCHARD- Fitchburg, MA NASCAR CWES/WMT driver, and proprietor of the Thompson Speedway based Modified driving school.
FRED ROSNER- Agawam, MA ProStock/NASCAR BES fabricator.
DAVE ST. JOHN- The military career son of Henry St. John, proprietor of Jewett City Service.
JORDYN ROSE BENNETT- The daughter of Stamford, CT born CWES/CTS driver Brad and wife Diane is 7.
April 7
LOY ALLEN, JR- former NSC driver.
VINNIE GREEN- Wall Township Speedway retired Modified driver.
WENDELL LEE MINTER- Ridgeway, VA host of the “Uncle Wendell’s Gospel Music Show aired daily on Martinsville’s WODY.
LISA ERM- New Jersey based NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Head Scorer.
JOHN SZERENCITS- Whitehall, PA dad of AARN subscription salesman Don.
JOSEPH ROBERT COX- Rev. Pat’s third-cousin son of Bob and Tracy Cox in Boyertown, PA is 10.
April 8
ROBERT PRESSLEY- Asheville, NC NSC/NNS/CTS driver.
BILLY MIDDLETON- Germantown, NC Modified driver.
MARK GREEN- Owensboro, KY NNS driver; middle brother with David and Jeff.
JEFF CROWLEY- NH ProStock driver.
JOE LARSEN- Former Riverhead Raceway Chief Steward, now an official on the NASCAR whelen Modified Tour.
TOMY MEMBRINO III- Son of Waterbury, CT ProStock driver Tony is 17.
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY. SEND THEM TO RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES AT PO BOX 586, Tolland, CT, 06084.
Sources: Rev. Don Rivers/RWJM