Roadwork, Part 1
We have come to the part of the season that has us on the road every week. Almost like the old barnstorming days. If this is Friday, this must be Stafford. I thought about the road we are on in our life and where that might lead us. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As I was driving by a church the other day, I noticed this question on their sign, “Does the road you’re on lead to my place? -God” I thought about the road courses we run and the differences between them and the standard ovals. We run a car that can turn both left and right. The fuel filler is on the opposite side. The car is more balanced left side to right side. In many ways preparing for a road course can help us prepare for the road that leads to life. There are no shortcuts on the road.
I remember a race at Lime Rock and a driver who thought he found one. They didn’t have a road course car so the fuel filler was on the left side of the car. The driver had to take a right at the end of pit road and drive up the access road where his crew waited to fill the car. He did not intend for this to be an advantage, but as he entered the track again and passed the scoring loop again after this very short lap he made up a full lap. As his team looked at the scoring they realized that the unique way they needed to fuel the car on this road course had gained them a lap. They considered, for a moment, calling the driver in twice more to get him back on the lead lap, but the officials realized what had happened and corrected the scoring. Even in a road race there is no shortcut. You have to run all the laps.
Life is similar in that you must run the race in a way as to win. No shortcuts, no bypasses, no detours. Paul tells us how he ran his race;
Acts 20:24, However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
1Corinthians 9:24-26, Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.
2Timothy 4:7-8, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Paul also knows what it means to stray off course;
Galatians 5:7, You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?
Have you ever been cutoff? Tried to follow the right way but ended up in a place that you shouldn’t be? We follow the crowd. I hear the excuse, everyone’s doing it. Do you remember your mom saying, “If all your friends jumped off a bridge would you follow them?” Yeah, probably. We tend to follow the crowd. We justify everything by what others do. We don’t want to stand out from the crowd. If we blend in and follow along we will be all right. No, you must run in such a way as to win, not just get by. Following the crowd does not lead us to life.
Sometimes we think if we just stay where we are we will be all right. Will Rodgers said, “Even if you’re on the right road you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Life is a road race, left turns, right turns and balance is important. We can’t just sit there, we’ll get run over. And don’t follow the crowd they may be just as lost as you. So, how do we find the right direction?
We will look into finding direction next week. Be sure and find your way back here. For this week take a look at the way you are running your race, not the race on the track, but your life. Ask God to help you understand what you need to do differently. See you back here next week.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
THE LONG ISLAND RACING TRADITION CONTINUES- Riverhead, the last holdout for racing on Long Island proved up to its heritage last Saturday night. Yes, there were many caution flags, yes, there was a lot of bumping and grinding, yes, the breaks didn’t always favor the fastest car, but in the end it was another classic.
Roll back the clock a couple of weeks and you will see that Jimmy Blewett won the Jarzombek, Evans, Baldwin Memorial at Riverhead. On Friday, he spent time on the track at Stafford to dial in his setup there. In the feature that night, he lost to TC by the narrowest of margins. Saturday night would be different. When the lap counter hit the century mark the race was on and TC and Jimmy waged a side-by-side duel for the lead that will be remembered for some time. Jimmy would not be denied and went on to secure the victory.
Let the record show that Jimmy had some extra motivation on this night. Not wanting to finish second to TC provided some, but Grandpa was in the house. Grandpa made the trip from New Jersey to see the race and Jimmy brought home the victory. This is just another step in the healing process. As Grandpa walked to victory lane, he reached out his hand and said, “That one was for John.” He stood arm in arm with his grandson and celebrated another victory for the Blewett family.
Racing with Jesus Ministries also had an eventful day at Riverhead. I want to thank Bob Finan for extending us the hospitality and making us feel at home. We had a few new faces traveling with us. Ricky Maddox from Atlantic City assisted me as Dan was in Pennsylvania playing for the Racing with Jesus Softball team in a tournament; see the report below. Ricky had attended a Camping World Series race earlier this year with Dan. He had one thing to say when the night was over, “I really like Modified Racing!” This was his first Modified race and I am sure it won’t be his last.
Ricky is testing the waters to see if Racing with Jesus Ministries is a place where God is calling him to minister. We met him at Motorsports 2008 in Atlantic City. He serves a church there as a youth Pastor. We know that God is leading him and will show him the right direction. Thanks for encouraging him at the track. Keep his decision in your thoughts and prayers as he seeks God’s direction.
We also had Scott Kraniak and his son, Jacob, join us. Scott is the pastor of Centereach Bible Church in Centereach, NY. He is interested in coming on board as the Track Chaplain at Riverhead. He came down to get a better understanding of what is involved. As some of you know, Riverhead has been without a Chaplain since Father Dan was relocated. Scott is excited about getting to know everyone at the track and serving them. Keep him and Riverhead in your prayers as we look to put things in place.
I can’t leave the subject without recognizing a couple of outstanding efforts. Ryan Preece posted his best finish yet at a place where just finishing is an accomplishment, with a fifth place drive. Also Rookie Glenn Reen posted his best finish with a twelfth place ride. Good job guys.
I also had the chance to meet Jaws Jr. for the first time. You may remember him, he is the autistic young man I wrote about a few months ago. At that time he was struggling with stabilizing his treatment. He is stable now and living life as an energetic young man. He informed me about all the injuries he has experienced in his exploits as a young boy. His dad said Michael is dong well and will be headed out to school soon. It was great to spend some time with Michael and his sons. They will be headed up to Stafford for the Tour race this week. Let him know you’re praying for him.
VINTAGE RETURNS TO RIVERHEAD- August 24 is the day. I am told that just about every vintage club around will be represented at this event which makes it a must see for any vintage racing fan. These cars have been restored by those passionate about remembering the cars and stars of their youth, stop by and check them out. Admission will be $10.00. Gates open at 10:00. For more information contact Kevin Bacik of Long Island Need for Speed, kvbac1@aol.com.
RWJM SOFTBALL TEAM COMES CLOSE – The RWJM team competed in the 27th Annual Northeast Regional Softball Tournament held in Valley Forge, Pa. on July 31st through August 2nd, 2008. RWJM did not disappoint as it earned a spot in the “D” Flight Championship. To qualify for the Finals, RWJM had to win 3 consecutive games…And they did so in convincing fashion, winning the 3 games by the scores of 19-14, 24-9, and 18-9.
In the Championship game, however, RWJM “ran out of gas” and lost to a very good Valley Forge team by the score of 15-8. It was a great ride for the RWJM team, throughout the tournament, on & off the field, the team displayed Christian sportsmanship and an attitude that reflected Jesus Christ in a glorifying manner.
The 2008 RWJM Softball Team: Dan Petfield, David Petfield, David Denmark, Peter Siwek, Ed Kast, Doug Glickert, Jeff Querfeld, Roque Sanchez, Chris Hanzlik, Tommy Velez, and Ray Hernandez.
Congratulations to the team and great job! We had a great weekend and I personally want to thank you for allowing us to represent RWJM in the tournament. God Bless You and RWJM!! Ray Hernandez.
BACK IN ACTION- I’ll be joined by our Stafford Track Chaplain, Rev. Rick Satkowski this Friday for the Whelen Modified Tour’s midsummer visit. We look forward to seeing you there.
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***
August 7
SCOTT & HEATHER PUNCH- This NSC crewman and wife in Claremont, NC have their 8th anniversary.
August 10
CLIFF KULIKOWSKI & SUSAN ZINSMEISTER- This Christian brother now Atlanta, GA commercial Direct TV dealer, Atlanta Antenna, transplanted from Brooklyn, NY tied the knot.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
August 6
EDDIE MARSHALL- NY D.I.R.T. Modified driver.
CRAIG RAUDMAN- Redding, CA NASCAR West driver.
JEB BURTON- Son of former NNC driver Ward and wife Tabitha is 14.
DEBBIE DIONNE- Wife of Gary, both of Acton, CA RWJM Counselors and Gary a Hollywood car stuntman and RWJM West Coast Coordinator.
August 7
BRUCE D’ALLESANDRO- East Hartford, CT former Riverside Park and NASCAR WMT driver.
AL HANNA- CT based alchohol Funny Car driver.
RICHIE YANETTA, Sr.- Of Bridgewater, NJ, the father of Go-Kart drivers Rich, Jr. and Jeff.
August 8
JACK SPRAGUE- Concord, NC NSC/NNS/CTS driver.
CHARLIE PASTERYAK- Lisbon, CT NASCAR WMT driver/owner.
LORIN ARTHOFER- Bath, PA Mahoning Valley Speedway based Modified driver and proud dad of driver Jason.
TOMMY ELLIS- Retired Richmond, VA BGN driver.
GREG TOMAINO- Brother of Howell, NJ popular NASCAR WMT driver Jamie Tomaino.
SAMANTHA HOWARD- A daughter of retired Waterford Speedbowl LM driver Tom and wife Carol.
JERRY TOMARCHIO- Former driver at East Windsor and Flemington.
BRIANNA PAGE- This quarter midget driver at the Garden State Quarter Midget Race Club at the Wall Township Speedway is 12.
MICHAEL DRANSFIELD- Another Garden State Quarter Midget racer is 18.
August 9
CHRIS KOPEC- Massachusetts Flamingo Racing NASCAR WMT Cheif and former driver.
BRITTANY TOMAINO- Howell, NJ NASCAR WMT driver Jamie and wife Cheryl’s daughter.
AUGUST 10
DON NEUENBERGER- Fort Washington, PA former NASCAR driver.
CHRIS URBAN- The grandson of Bob Pratt and grandson of Richie Pratt, Sr.
JOHN TEMCHAK- Canterbury, NH NHIS Victory Lane Staff Member.
August 11
FRANKIE SCHNEIDER- The “Master of Dirt Modifieds” from the 1950’s through early 80’s is now retired. God Bless, Frankie.
ED ZWICKEL- “Bubba” drives the late Model #1 at Riverhead Raceway and is said to have the best BBQ in town; at least in the pits.
KEN WALLACE- Dallas, PA SCCA driver.
August 12
CRAIG Von DOHREN- BARTO, PA dirt Modified driver.
JERRY YOUNG- Plainfield, CT LM driver.
RICHIE GALLUP- Agawam, MA Modified driver.
RON HUMES- Islip, NY Modified driver.
LONNIE RUSH, JR.- Pickerington, OH CTS driver.
SCOTT GAYLORD- Lakewood, CO NASCAR West driver.
LENNY CHANDLER- Windham, CT fan and friend of Jimmy Broderick.
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