Of Fellowship and Racing
God. A name that raises many different thoughts and
emotions in the minds and hearts of people. Over years of watching and
observing racing, it is quite apparent, even to the casual observer,
that Fellowship is as much a part of the racing community as racing
itself. All one has to do is watch any televised race on the weekend to
see teams lined up along pit road, hats removed and heads bowed as
clergy lead the invocation. This is not just mere formality or something
we do on race day, but rather a gathering of people in one place who are
thankful for another day of enjoyment of our favorite sport and for the
safety of all who participate in it.
For the most part, the racing community is also a
Christian community. By it's very nature, racing is fast, exciting and
at the same time dangerous. No one likes to talk about this part, but
fatalities are a reality in auto racing. What is interesting to observe
and at the same time disturbing is that when a bad wreck has occurred or
something happens to a racer, out comes the outpouring of prayers to
him/her and the family by what I will term "closet Christians". A
"closet Christian" is someone who uses God as a convenience when things
go bad, otherwise, he goes back on the closet shelf until the next time
something bad happens. Why is that?
Many people in the racing community welcome Fellowship
as a regular part of their lives. I refer back to the very first issue
of Sprint Car & Midget magazine in 2002. In a Doug Auld interview, Sammy
Swindell talked about the importance of Fellowship and how he felt that
the World of Outlaws tour would be well served with the inclusion of
church services.
Early in my own website's existence, I started posting
weekly readings from the bible as a form of Christian service. Following
a driver's meeting at the inaugural Mid-Canada Sprint Car Challenge in
2005, I was met by a chaplain who thanked me for doing so. I continued
with this practice and even today, you will find a passage every weekend
entitled "Weekend Fellowship".
On a larger scale, there are many ministries across the
United States and Canada whose mission is to serve people in the world
of motorsports through fellowship, pastoral care, evangelism and
service. Organizations such as Motor Racing Outreach, Christian
Motorsports International, Inc. Family of Ministries, On Track
Ministries and the IRL Ministry are a few examples of people working
together to help make a difference in the quality of the lives of our
racing family. In a day and age where community and family values appear
to be slowly eroding, it's comforting to know that there are people
among us, who care enough to pull family and community back together.
The next time you are at your local dirt track, take a
moment and thank God for the racers who entertain you, the people
sitting around you and for the exciting evening ahead. Ask Him for the
safety of the track personnel, the participants and all the supportive
fans in attendance. Amen.
Until next time...
Take care and good racing, Greg Cybulski