Tires Tell the Story (Part One)
Do you have a tire specialist? I hope so. A tire specialist can give us the information to make the proper adjustments to finish the race. How about your life? Do you have a tire specialist to guide your walk? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
One of the most common sights in the garage area is the constant attention to the tires. This is done because that is where the horsepower is transferred to the track. The tires reveal to us what is happening when we are out on the track racing. They tell us how we can improve the car’s performance out on the track.
Many times when we see blisters or tread wear we blame the tire. Maybe the compound is too soft or too hard. Maybe the tires are from a bad batch or they weren’t cured right. It isn’t always the tire. The problem may be deeper than just where the rubber hits the road.
Tire problems many times indicate deeper issues. What we see on the surface isn’t a problem with the tire; it is an indication that what the tire is attached to needs to be adjusted. Maybe the stagger is wrong, perhaps it is the shock setup or maybe the spring rate. The driver could just be driving too hard. Tire problems usually indicate the foundation they are connected to is not stable. I could go on but I think you get the picture. If the tire isn’t connected to the right setup it will show in the way the tire wears. How we respond to the indications determines how well we will run the race.
I would like to do something a little different with the next few columns. I would like to examine a passage of Scripture and see how it can help us apply the same analytical process to our lives that we use trying to figure out what our tires are trying to tell us. Let’s look at the closing passage of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” found in Matthew’s Gospel.
Matthew 7:24-27, NIV; “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Therefore is an interesting word; when you read it this is what it means; because of what was said make these adjustments to your life. Think of your tires again, when you see certain indications you make certain adjustments to your car. Jesus says, “Therefore make the following adjustments.” He tells us of two lives, asks us to consider the end result and make the correct adjustments.
Let’s take a look at the similarities of each man mentioned in this passage. First thing we notice is that they both sought to attain the same goal, build a house. This is not unlike our desire when we come to the track. We all have the same goal, to win. As each of us know, having the goal and getting there is two different things. How do we go about accomplishing our goal? Is there one way that is best? Where do we find the answer?
That leads us to the second thing these men had in common, they both went to the same seminar. If we read closely we find that each one heard the words of Jesus. Each one had the right information to use. Each one had an equal opportunity to succeed. Think of it like this, suppose you have at your disposal the setup notes for a certain track. If you use that information to set up your car you have a better chance of figuring out what it takes to make your car go fast at that particular track. A head start on getting your car setup in a way that will enable you to win.
Thirdly we find that they both experienced the same challenge. There was a storm. It was the same storm for both of them. There was no difference between what took place in each of their lives. When we come to the track we all are faced with the same challenge, setup the car so that you are able to win. The track conditions are the same for everyone. The distance is the same for everyone. The practice time is the same for everyone. The rules that dictate what equipment can be used are the same.
All things being equal, what separates the winner from everyone else? The one who makes the right adjustments based on the information he is given. We all have choices to make in life. Each choice comes with its own set of consequences. How we choose and how we respond reveals who is in control of our lives. Do we have a tire specialist? Do we make the proper choices based on what we have learned? Jesus contrasted the two men for us, the wise one applied what he heard and the foolish one didn’t. Next week we will dig into this passage a little more and explore the differences between these two men.
Until then, God Bless. Rev. Don
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
ANOTHER RAN DELAY- What has become a familiar refrain on the racing scene this summer, postponed due to weather, played a familiar house, Thompson International Speedway. This time it was the Whelen Modified Tour that was on the receiving end. The cars were just about to head out to practice when the word came down. As of now we are headed back to Thompson in early September to give it another shot.
Things will get busy for Modified fans at Thompson in the next few weeks. First, the True Value Modified Series comes to town on Thursday, August 27, 2009. Followed on their heels will be the Whelen Modified Tour on September 3. This should be a couple of great shows at the high banks of Thompson. We’ll be there, hope to see you there.
LIME ROCK SHINES- Visiting the famed road course in Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills only gets better when the sun shines. We have been there when the weather is not as cooperative. We had the opportunity to be there for both Friday and Saturday this year a change from years past. It was neat to be able to spend some time with the teams on the less formal practice day. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Matt DiBenedetto made it two for two in road course poles and looked to be on his way to a victory until he hit the disabled car of Matt Kobyluck.
Ryan Truex kept the double wild as he secured his second win on a road course. Ryan matched his victory at Watkins Glen with this one at Lime Rock to strengthen his hold on first place in the Camping World East Series Championship race. The Series has two races left at NHMS and Dover to decide the championship.
Eddie MacDonald continued his hot streak and drove to a second place finish and second place in the points. What made his run all the more impressive was that the car was stuck in forth gear for the last twenty laps.
The heat took its toll as many drivers reached for some sort of hydration as they exited their cars. Jason Holehouse was one who fought the heat to his best finish in the series. He brought his Kowabunga Jumps Bounce Rooms Toyota home third. After he received his congratulatory hugs he asked for one thing, “Where’s my bag of ice?”
Some times we head to the track and we don’t know what God has in store for us We received a tremendous blessing at Lime Rock as our Victory Chapel service was very well attended. We had to move the time around and were not sure if the word got out. It did and they came. Ray Pavkov was on hand to help Dan and I and his assistance was appreciated. Thank you all for your encouragement.
WMT REGULAR GETS HIS FIRST TVMS WIN- Rowan Pennick made it to victory lane at Waterford Speedbowl last Saturday night. Rowen has been knocking at the door and it is good to se him make some headway.
SOME UPDATES FOR YOU PRAYER LIST- I received this from Chuck out at Anderson.
Saturday night at Anderson, Jerry Dane was involved in an accident during the FWD Figure 8 and has several broken bones in his face. It looks like surgery will be necessary and he is being transferred to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Pray for the doctors, staff, him, his wife Denise and their children as they face the recovery process. We can offer praise that his helmet caught the brunt of the hit – shattering the lower portion of his helmet as the opposing car came in through the window net.
Also, we asked for prayer for Dan’s girl Crystal with the lump in her neck. Successful surgery showed no cancer and she is home recovering as well. I filled in on the microphone for Dan while he stayed with Crystal tonight.
And these updates for a couple of young ladies we have been praying for;
Delaney DeCoste – Just 2 weeks ago we could have never imagined that Delaney would still be here, but each day God is healing one part of her body at a time. Although we know her brain will never be healed completely, we just pray it will be healed enough to be able to smile and give hugs as she could always lift anyone up who might be having a bad day. She still remains in critical condition and won’t be taken completely off the ventilator until the doctors know she can completely breathe 100% on her own all the time. Then, they will begin bringing her out of the drug induced coma to see if she is going to wake up. We all appreciate your prayers and God’s continued strength he is giving everyone to get thru this very difficult time.
Katy Stewart’s mom sent us this note; Katy looks like sleeping beauty this morning. She has rosy cheeks, and she is wearing her little pink cap. It was quite a night. She had a long stint in recovery, and made it to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Cornell Presbyterian via ambulance around midnight last night. We were able to stay with her the whole time. The surgeon said it was a long, dangerous and difficult surgery. It took him 6 1/2 hours. He had to peel the tumor away from the portal vein millimeter by millimeter. But, the very best news; to put it plainly, he believes he got all the bad stuff out. We thanked him emotionally and immediately, and he pointed to heaven and said “Don’t thank me, thank Him.” We feel very blessed this morning, and this has everything to do with Katy’s optimistic report, as well our gratitude to all of you. We are so very thankful for all of it. We believe she will have two more rounds of chemotherapy to be sure they have gotten rid of all the cancerous cells, and they will monitor her closely in the coming year. We are truly rejoicing today, and words can’t begin to describe our relief.
Please keep both these families in your thoughts and prayers as they endure the challenges ahead.
HEADED TO BRISTOL- Dan and I are headed south to Bristol for the first of what we hope are many Whelen Modified Tour races at the famed half-mile. We have never been there and are looking forward to seeing the track we have heard so much about. If you can’t get there watch it live on Speed Channel Wednesday Night.
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 20
ANDY & BARBARA HALL- This former NASCAR PR director, now Indy Racing League official, and wife have their 20th anniversary.
DAN & LAURIE WALKER- The Public Relations Director at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway and wife share their 24th.
August 21
JERRY & LESLIE BURCHETTE- This Super Pro IHRA driver and wife share their 16th anniversary.
STEVE & BONNIE MILLER- This NASCAR CWES couple from Waterford, NJ have their 36th anniversary.
August 23
JIM & PAT SPENCER- The former driver now TV personality from Berwick, PA and lovely wife share their 29th.
August 25
TOM & SUE FEARN- The Feeding Hills, MA ProStock championship and Latemodel driver and wife have their 12th anniversary.
JOE AND KAREN cIVALI- Parents of WMT driver James and JGR spotter Joey celebrate thier 30th.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
August 19
MIKE ROWE- One of Maine’s legendary NASCAR CWES/LM drivers and very proud dad of Turner, Maine CWES/LM driver Benji.
PAUL SPENCER- Berwick, PA brother of NSC driver JIm.
TIM BENDER- Colden, NY NASCAR CWES driver.
FRAN COLSON- Leominster, MA ProStock driver.
JIM KEEKER- USAC Midget driver.
LINDA SANSEVERINO- Wife of Hillsborough, NC photographer Ed.
JULIE POTTER- Preston, CT Modified fan.
August 20
JOHN LESNIAK- Wallingford, CT NASCAR CWES driver
CHARLIE KREMER- NJ asphalt Modified driver.
STEVE MILLER- Waterford, NJ CWES team part-owner.
DENNIS PUNCH- PR man for the Brewco NNS Team. Dennis is also Dr. Jerry’s brother.
August 21
NEAL FEOLA- He really isn’t “Nasty Neal” and is a Blunderbust driver at Riverhead Raceway.
TIM ATTAYA- Promoter of the Augusta, ME civic Center Motorsports Show in January and Maine TV personality.
RENE LaLUMIERE- Jefferson, NH retired LM driver.
KAREN MARQUIS- Enfield, CT wife of NASCAR WMT and CWES driver Jerry.
BILL SANSEVERINO- Son of Hillsborough, NC photographer Ed and wife Linda.
August 22
STAN FRIESEN- Owner of NY’s Lancaster and Ransomville Speedways.
NICHOLAS GRAVEL- One of ProStock driver Gege and wife Lisa’s children in Groton, MA.
TIFFANY FULLER- A daughter of NNS/WMT driver Jeff and wife Lisa is 11.
GAGE MICHAEL COLEMAN- The son of former Waterford Speedbowl Modified Team owner Danny, and future driver turned his 10th lap.
CHELSEA BREHM- Mechanicsburg, PA. Jr. Champ Kart racer and Daughter of Merl Brehm turns 14.
August 23
STEVE PARK- E. Northport, LI, NY NSC/NNS/CTS/CWES/WMT driver.
KENNY WALLACE- NSC/NNS driver from St. Louis, MO
ED KENNEDY- Coppell, TX ARCA/NASCAR CWES/NASCAR retired WMT driver.
ANDREW McILRAVEY- “Big Mac” is a 1960’s Plainville, CT Stadium driver, now a regular at Stafford, Waterford and Thompson. True to his heritage you can spot him by his plaid shirts.I am told this year is lap 82!
NICOLE TRACI- Accord Speedway dirt Sportsman driver.
DORIS BRADLEY- The mother-in-law of Steve Wood, R&D with Ray Evernham Racing, from Oakhurst, NJ.
August 24
DAVID BONNETT- Hueytown, AL NSC/ARCA driver.
MIKE JEFFREY- NY DIRT Modified driver.
TOM PERREGO- Another NY DIRT Mod driver.
CHUCK DOCHERTY- Connecticut ProStock/SK Mod driver.
TED HEBERT- Agawam, MA proprietor of Teddy Bear Pools, long time racing sponsor.
AMANDA HAYES- Daughter of NH photographer Rich and wife Dede.
SARAH SMITH- Fiance of ACT crewman whose favorite singer is Wayne Newton.
August 25
LARRY SHIVERS JR.- Brother to former WMT driver Gregg.
KYLE PURKS- Langhorne, PA 358 and URC Sprint driver.
JEFF PEARL- Colchester, CT Waterford Speedbowl based CT Modified driver.
RODNEY COMBS, JR.- Fort Wayne, KY dirt LM and CTS driver.
PETE PERNESIGLIO- Riverhead Raceway Blunderbust driver.
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