Down the Stretch They Come
As the season winds down and we come to the traditional end of summer, Labor Day Weekend, I find myself looking back. Taking stock of all the Lord has done for me in the blur of time that makes up the heart of the racing schedule. How has your year gone? Have you been able to reflect on all the Lord has blessed you with? I encourage you to take a few moments and rejoice in the victories and challenges that have come your way. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As the local racing scene enters its final few weeks of competition it is important to take the time and look back to see what you have accomplished. Don’t lose sight of the little things. Maybe this was the year you finally made it over the hump and started to get a handle on your race setup. It might have been the year you made it to victory lane for the first time.
There are many milestones we achieve but we can get too caught up in the season to think about them. Many times the milestones are only significant to us and other fail to see them. When compared to the measuring stick that other’s use they seem insignificant, but they are not. Don’t minimize the how much you have grown this year.
I think some of our greatest moments are when we acknowledge the significance of the small steps we take in life. Think about the little things that you have done this year. The things you have done that have enabled you to grow and advance, not only on the track but in your walk with Christ. Maybe this was the year you started reading your Bible every week or even every day. Maybe this was the year you made an effort to attend chapel service or attend a local church. Maybe it was the year that you made the effort to talk with God on a regular basis.
Don’t make light of the things in your life that are truly significant. We all our guilty of not placing the right importance on seemingly little things, but it is the little things that add up to make significant changes in the direction of our lives. I am reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy;
2 Timothy 4:1-8 (New Living Translation); I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
These were not only the words Paul wrote to encourage Timothy they were the same words one of my mentors shared with me as I entered into ministry.
T. Marshal Thompson was a wise man who had seen many things in his life. He helped me overcome the desire to please men instead of pleasing God. He encouraged me to be a little bolder in faith. He listened to my fears and helped me overcome them. Little things that helped me become a man dedicated to serve Jesus.
T. Marshal is home now, but his memory is as alive as if he were still here. He helped me focus on the little things that when you add them up they become significant things in life. He guided me through my doubt and showed me the hand of God on my life.
As we reflect on the things that we have seen and done this past season I ask you to think about those who have helped guide you. Those who have encouraged you to make decisions that were beneficial to your life. Those who provided the resources you needed to continue on.
It is easy to continue on without remembering where you have been or who helped you get to where you are, but I suggest it is more beneficial to reminisce a little. Take a look at the baby steps you took. Remember who was holding your hand as you took those steps.
With another season winding down there is more racing to be done. Without the help of many others we wouldn’t make it to this time of the year and still be able to race. To enter the homestretch each one of us needed the support and encouragement of someone. To take the little steps that add up to a giant leap, someone needed to walk by our side. Take time to say thanks and acknowledge what others have given so that you could pursue your dreams.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
THOMPSON TNT PLUS- This week the Modified Racing Series visited Thompson Speedway for their 75 lap event. After a week of rain the cars sprouted up like flowers when the sun shines. (forgive me I must have heard too much Matt Buckler this season). Although the race called to start 24 Thompson saw fit to run them all. 35 came, a few fell by the wayside in practice, Dwight Jarvis, Jack Bateman, Ron Silk and Louie Mechalides so 31 started and set out to reign in the Thompson title.
Les Hinckley of Windsor Locks, CT., in the best of baseball traditions was looking to sweep but he found the wall in practice and the only sweeping to be done was some speedy dry. To the teams credit they didn’t lay down, they worked feverously to get the car ready for the heat race and then for the main event. Starting 21st he fought hard and came home with a top five finish. The team’s effort was rewarded as He now sits atop the Championship point standings. Now if only the Red Sox can follow his lead.
Although slowed by eights cautions the race was entertaining to watch. It was a pretty good cross section of Modified competitors, the top three championship contenders from the Whelen Modified Tour were on hand, along with a couple of drivers who compete regularly on both the WMT and MRS added in a strong contingent of MRS competitors coupled with a track famous for its support of Modified racing made this on a must see. In the end the results reflected a cross section of the Modified community. Rowan Pennink won, for the second time this season, followed by TC, Santos, Goodale and Hinckley. Stefanik led for most of the first half of the race but a mechanical failure put him in the pits on lap 47 and he ended up with a disappointing 25th place finish.
NIGHT OF ELECTRICITY- After a quick trip to Stafford on Friday I was joined by my wife, Lynda, down at Waterford Speedbowl to be a part of Cliff Nelson’s Night of Electricity. We were proud to be a part of this special night that honored some special folks. We even got the pace car involed in the act when the regular pace car wasn’t available. Thanks go out to Cliff for including us in his event.
I might add they have come a long way at this shoreline oval. Every time I visit there something has been improved. It was Lynda’s first visit and she commented how much fun she had there. If you get the opportunity stop by and check them out. Next week the MRS will be in town, go out and take a look, they really do mean the New Waterford Speedbowl. Tom Fox and crew are doing an excellent job.
HOTLANTA WELCOMES THE K&N SERIES AND REV. DAN- What a beautiful facility for racing! If you are ever down in Georgia you have to come and see this place. It was freshly painted and cleaned. Everyone made you feel as if you were their best friend and went out of their way to make this a positive experience for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series.
The bathrooms in pits were the cleanest I have seen at any racetrack and rivaled those that you would use at any upper class office. I think you get the picture – we were welcomed with open arms! Dan Elliott from the famous Elliott brothers – who helps run raceday activities – treated Debbie and I with his warm southern hospitality. We had an awesome Chapel service after the drivers meeting with many commenting on how much they enjoyed Debbie singing.
Later, we met Raceway Ministries Chaplain Phillip Martin in the afternoon. We had a great talk with him and then sat in on the drivers meeting for the local racers. They do things a bit different in the South as the Chaplain opened the meeting not only in prayer, but held a chapel service as well. All were required to attend. As my wife Debbie said, “I felt like I got saved all over again” – God bless you Rev Phill, you are doing a wonderful job for him. Rev Phill even asked if I would take his place and give the invocation during the opening ceremonies – which I gladly accepted. It was neat hearing everyone in the crowd say “AMEN” when I finished.
Special thanks to John Salemi. During the on tack autograph session the announcer asked him about the Racing with Jesus sticker on his car – John proceeded to tell all of the fans over the PA system about the ministry and what we do.
Now down to the racing – the first 1/2 of the race was awesome as Kevin Swindell had some great battles with several drivers to keep the lead. Then one of the cars spun and hit one of the water barriers, broke it and soaked the track. The red was thrown as they
tried to clean it up, then the yellow for several laps, then the red again. When all was said and done the drivers were itching to get back up to speed. When the green flag fell again there was caution after caution with many wrecked race cars. Thank God no one was hurt as there were several hard hits. As I talked with each one, we all knew that God had his hand of protection upon them. In the end, Ty Dillon took the win with an impressive move down low with Cole Whitt finishing 2nd and Ryan Clifford 3rd. A great run by Matt Kobyluck who finished in 5th – but as he said it felt like a win after wrecking their primary car in practice. We are looking forward to coming back next year.
On another note, please be in prayer for the Duff Family, Ryan Duff received word Friday night that his grandmother had passed away. The team packed up and headed home Saturday morning before the event. Ryan you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at www.rwjm.com. Send us your prayer and counseling needs no matter what part of our racing family you are in, or give us a call. 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” Check our home page www.rwjm.com for past articles. Drop us a note and share your input and thoughts. 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 every way.
CHECKERED CHEERS
***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***
SEPTEMBER 1
BRUCE & SALLY SHIREY- This Latrobe, PA couple who live just five miles from Latrobe Speedway and also enjoy road racing, have their 25th anniversary.
September 3
WILLIS & LOIS MERRILL- Kennebunk, ME NASCAR CWES fans celebrate their anniversary.
September 6
David & Colleen Bennett- Officials with the old Busch North now David with Sprint Cup celebrate their 24th lap together.
September 7
BOBBY & SUSAN SILAPIGNI- Sheba Racing Modified team crewman and wife have their anniversary.
RICH & MARY PAWLICH- These Rocky Hill, CT NASCAR WMT fans have their 17th anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
September 1
BRIANNA CHILDRESS- Daughter of Kip, KNPSE Race Director and wife Jenny, turns 6.
BRETT HEARN- Sussex, NJ top DIRT Modified driver.
LENNY FISCHER- Riverhead Raceway Modified driver.
EDDIE HOWELL- Lakeland, Fl former Dash Series driver.
LARRY BOUCHARD- Feeding Hills, MA ProStock driver.
DAVID STOKES- Son of Wall Township Speedway co-announcer Roger Stokes.
FRAN COLSON III- Son of Leominster, MA ProStock driver Fran and wife Doreen.
September 2
JIM CHAPIN- Friend of RWJM ministries.
JACK JOHNSON- Duanesburg, NY legendary dirt Modified driver.
MARK FUSCO- DIRT Modified driver.
BLAIR AIKEN- Lakeport, CA NASCAR West driver.
STEVE GOLEMBESKI, Jr.- Jamie Tomaino NASCAR WMT team crewman.
CLAYLENE ADAMS- Wife of Pomfret, CT Pro Tour Truck and ProStock driver Leo.
ADAM VENEZIAN- The son of Statewide Trailer/Perth Amboy Spring owner Joe and wife Linda.
September 3
JACK PENNINGTON- Augusta, GA LMSC driver.
CARLTON P. MERRILL- From Newton, MA, Carl is the GM at Monadncok Speedway near Keene, NH.
NORM McINTOSH- Crewman on the NH based Mike Weeden LM.
RANDY LEE JOHNSTON-A New Waterford Speedbowl fan.
September 4
BOB JENKINS- Renowned as racing’s premier pass-by-pass action TV announcer, this Indianapolis, IN resident is also with Linger Productions who produces great race coverage and the voice of the Indy 500 Radio Network.
JOE BUBBICO- This former CT based Modified driver now at Orange Show Speedway and Perris Speedway now makes his home in Winchester, CA.
JEFF FEHR- Mahoning Valley Speedway driver.
BRANDON BUTLER- Richmond, VA NASCAR CWTS driver.
FRED STODDARD- Brother-in-Law of Stafford Late Model driver Tom Fearn.
BILL EMHOFF- York Maine crew member on the #2 MRS.
September 5
DICK HOULIHAN- Massachusetts ProStock/ WMT driver.
BILL TANNER- Newtown, PA Bridgeport Modified driver.
KELLY TANNER- Woodinville, WA NASCAR West driver. (no relation to Bill)
JEFF GREEN- Owensboro, KY NNS driver.
KENNY BERNSTEIN- NHRA Funny Car driver.
DOROTHY “PETE” BLACKADAR- West Danville, VT NASCAR Registra.
DONNA WEARING- Wife of Western PA dirt big block LM driver Bob, Jr.
DAN AYOTTE- Waterville, ME racing writer.
GREG GODEK- Windsor Locks, CT Mini Sprint driver at Whip City and brother in Christ.
September 6
JULIE STEFANIK- The Manager of Koszella Speed Warehouse in Rhode Island and the supportive wife of past NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and Whelen Modified Tour champion, Mike.
RAY PAVKOV_ RWJM Chaplain and Clock fixer extraordinaire.
September 7
ANDY SANTERRE- Cherryfield, ME, now Mooresville, NC, 4-time KNPSE Champion now is guiding Revolution Racing.
JOHN PRESTON- Wyalusing, PA NASCAR WMT/NASCAR KNPSE driver.
TOM FEARN- Feeding Hills, MA Late Model driver.
PEGGY HEEG- Sponsor of Mark Lento’s Riverhead Raceway Firgure Eight team.
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