Awards Ceremony

This past Sunday evening our 2007 race season drew to a close at the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Awards Ceremony held at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC.

This was our first time back together with this community since our season ending race in October at Caraway Speedway. It was quite enjoyable to be back amongst the familiar faces of the many friends we’ve developed over the past year. We were able to spend a significant amount of time catching up with people prior to, and after the awards ceremony.

During the ceremony/dinner, we were seated with the Director of Motorsports for Whelen, as well as with a few other NASCAR dignitaries. Conversations floated, and it was interesting to hear some of the stories from Champions Week in NYC from the week prior that a few of our dinner mates had attended.

Our role in the evening was minimal, however the Master of Ceremonies, Mike Joy, did read a short thank you to Michelle and I for our efforts with the series. Mid-way through the ceremony I was also asked to pray over the evening, and over the meal we were about to enjoy. There was also a small jest from George Silberman towards us regarding the unlikelihood that the series would return to Nashville next season.

Following the ceremony one of our drivers mentioned to me that the previous week he had been posted the question asking if he had any rituals or superstitions that he would carry out before each of his races. His reply was, “No, not really. Just Kyle and I pray before every race.” Pretty cool stuff if you ask me.

Despite it being a short, fast trip…it was quite enjoyable, and we found it to be quite productive relationally.

We look forward to seeing what 2008 will hold.

Music City Motorplex Updates...

I haven't blogged on it much this year, but in between our travels with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Michelle and I have been in the midst of our FOURTH year of ministry at the Music City Motorplex at the TN State Fairgrounds...WOW!

Looking back to the first two years that Michelle and I were at the Motorplex and seeing where things are today is just amazing. There is a renewed, heightened sensitivity towards God throughout the community...and it has been humbling, yet exciting to be used as a funnel in this community, sharing the goodness and fullness of his Grace.

Two years ago Michelle and I held our first chapel service at the Motorplex, one person was in attendance. For the remainder of that season Michelle, one driver, and I paused a few moments after each drivers meeting to look at God's word.

Fast forward two years. Two weeks ago another Motorplex race fell on a Sunday, to which Raymond, Michelle, and I organized a chapel. Well over fifty of us gathered together, sang Amazing Grace, spent time in prayer, and then looked to God's word. That is not something that you see everyday at a racetrack. That is God working in peoples lives.

We have also been thankful to have Raymond Rizzo as a part of the team this year. At the end of 2006 we realized that our schedule was becoming bigger than we were. Through our friendship with Raymond, we developed a ministry relationship that was nothing short of a God thing. Raymond has connected with people Michelle and I couldn't connect with, spanned bridges we thought couldn't be spanned, and been a creative, motivational go-getter in the ministry.

I can't fully capsulate what has transpired over the past 4 years at the Motorplex, and how God has acted on behalf of so many people. For those of you who know what I went through the year and a half leading up to our ministry at the Motorplex, you are probably just as astounded and amazed as I am. For those of you who don't...ask me sometime!

I wish I could put it to words...but one day in Heaven, we will all see the importance of this ministry.

NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Championship Race

The championship race for the NWSMT was held at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC…our sixth visit to the track this season.

Prior to the race we met up with a friend of ours who now works for Petty Enterprises for lunch with him and his wife. We had a great time of sharing and encouraging each other in Christ…and just hanging out! After lunch we went our separate ways…however they did meet back up with us later in the evening back at Caraway Speedway.

We arrived at the track around 2:30PM as people were signing in, and haulers were entering the track. Upon arriving we pulled out our letters and trusty blue painters tape and hit the row of haulers taping up the last devotional of the season, which was centered on Philippians 3.

Much to our dismay, practice for all of the support divisions that would be running along side our race began seemingly the moment they pulled the last trailer across the track…and the noise would not stop until five minutes prior to our drivers meeting.

There is normally a window of time when we are hanging the devotionals that we are able to talk and interact with everyone…however the noise hindered any conversations from developing leaving us going trailer to trailer with a smile and a wave.

I know we were at a racetrack and it is to be expected, but it was just so loud throughout our entire day at the track that there was not a lot of one on one interaction with anyone. It really hindered us in a way that we had not yet encountered this season.

As soon as the motors quieted we went straight into the drivers meeting only to resurface to the noise of qualifying upon exiting the building. The few moments of peace and quiet that we did have around the facility were the moments that I was praying with drivers on the line.

Another clean race brought to a close the 2007 NWSMT season. What a year it was…we welcomed someone into the family of Christ, we prayed over many needs, we shared the word of God, and we opened ourselves up so that the goodness and love of Christ could flow through us. How blessed and privileged we are to be utilized in such a unique fashion.

We have a few more local ‘gigs’ as well as two banquets left on our schedule before the smiling faces at the airport car rental counters stop seeing us walking through he doors for the winter…time to recharge, relax, and re-energize for another season of God’s work.

NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour 150 :: Caraway Speedway

Our second to last Mod race of the season was at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC this past weekend.

We again had a late night Friday night as we hit the road after work on Friday and rolled into the Microtel parking lot around 1:30AM. Our trip in was good...smooth sailing the whole way! We've had a few traffic jams over the course of the year that we've sat through, so every 'clean' drive is a good drive!

We got to Caraway Speedway around 2:00 after a killer meal at an Indian buffet we found in Greensboro. The gates opened at 2:00 at the track, so we did end up in a slight traffic jam of haulers trying to cram into the tiny infield of the track. By the time we finally waited our turn to drive through and park all of our teams were already unloaded with some rolling through tech.

In the letter this week I drew from a verse in Psalm 46, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth." I paralleled the verse to a song I heard this week by blues artist Jonny Lang called "Red Light". Jonny's song dives into the depths of the thoughts that can transpire as we sit at a "Red Light". I extrapolated that thought further to say that we need more "Red Light's" in our lives to be still and know that He is God.

Michelle helped me to tape up the new devotionals and pull down the old ones from the previous week that were still left hanging on some of the haulers. And as the day progressed, so did the conversations.

Every week our NASCAR tour director graciously welcomes us as he welcomes the various guests that are also with the series that weekend. He doesn't have to, people are getting to know us now, but it is a great sign of 'welcomeness' (is that a word??) and appreciation for our traveling to be with the series. He has been outstanding to us over the course of the past two seasons. Following the meeting I led us in a short prayer, thanking God for His blessings and asking His guidance in our lives throughout the course of the evening.

Following the drivers meeting we were treated to an excellent meal again by one of our teams. Roast Beef stew, homemade coleslaw, and homemade cobbler. Need I say more...?

About thirty minutes prior to the race I began to walk up and down the front stretch of the track praying with each driver as they greeted fans and prepared to strap into their machines. As was true with our last race at Caraway, as I was praying with the last driver I heard my name called over the track P.A. system with an invitation to the start finish line to present the invocation. Obliged.

The rest of the evening went smooth. There were no major incidents on track. I say no "major" incidents knowing every incident is major to the team it is happening to...but God's protection was upon every driver, crewmember, official, and fan throughout the evening.

We headed back home Sunday...and will turn around and head back to Caraway in just a week and a half for the final race of the 2007 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified season.

Southern National 150 - Kenly, NC

Last weekend was the Southern National 150 with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour way east in Kenly, NC.

After a long hike across Interstate 40 Friday afternoon we nestled into the Wyndham Hotel around 11:30 PM and settled in to get rested up for the next day. Our hotel was a little further from the racetrack than normal, so when we finally made our way to Southern National Raceway Park all of the teams were already unloaded and beginning to prep their cars for practice.

The devotional this week for the teams was from the book of Lamentations in the Old Testament...God's grace being new to us everyday. It is refreshing to know that every day we wake up is a new day. Our mistakes, temptations, misjudgments, and errors from yesterday do not have to follow us around...because God's grace is fresh if we open our lives to Him.

As Michelle and I walked through the pits posting the letters we had some really good conversations. We were also encouraged to have a few people comment on the previous weeks letter that we posted. We never really know if people are stopping to take the time to read the devotionals, or if they are just cluttering their tool boxes.

As the afternoon progressed we had some uplifting exchanges with some, and opportunities to encourage others. It was really a fun day.

The driver introductions were conducted a little differently this week. All of the drivers were paraded around the track in the back of trucks, similar to the driver introductions that you may be familiar with in the Nextel Cup Series. That being the case I had a very limited amount of time to pray with each driver before the race. Half of the drivers I prayed with in the bed of the pickup trucks in groups of 2 to 3, the other half I rushed to pray with as they strapped into their cars.

When all was said and done we found ourselves at the end of another safe night.

We have two more races with the NWSMT this year. Pray that God will continue to funnel through us at the last remaining events of the season.

Caraway Speedway Southern Modified 150

For our third event within eight days we returned to Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC.

The race was Saturday evening so we hit the highway right after work Friday afternoon...eventually rolling into Greensboro, NC and hitting the sac at about 2:30am. We finally mustered up the strength around 11:00am to roll out of bed and begin to make our rounds and make our way to the racetrack. We arrived at the facility about 30 minutes after the gates opened as the teams were offloading from their haulers and setting up.

The devotional we posted this week drew from a passage of scripture in Ephesians 5, expressing the magnitude and depth of God's love for us, and in turn how we should "love like that". I love how "The Message" described God's love for us, 'His love was not cautious, but extravagant'. Michelle helped me post the letters again at each team's hauler, and we were able to open quite a few conversations in the process of doing so.

Throughout the day at each track we visit, we experience one continuing love/hate relationship. We love to look forward to meal time, but hate to look forward to eating a steady diet of concession stand food! We were blessed this week to be treated to a freshly prepared meal straight off of the grill of one of the teams. If you have ever had to base your nutritional well being on what you can order from a concession stand you'd understand what a blessing this was! (No disrespect to the men and women who very graciously work the stands at the various racetracks we visit, they are all awesome individuals).

As the afternoon progressed, a member of the community and I carried over some previous conversations regarding a lifetime commitment to Christ, and he made the commitment to follow Christ with his life. Praise God!

Just prior to the race I walked out onto the front straightaway to pray with our drivers as they were lining up their cars on the track for the start of the race. At Caraway, I would typically do this during the fan autograph session, but since that was not taking place at this particular race that was the most feasible time for me to be able to pray with each driver. Just as I was beginning to pray with the last driver on the line I heard my name summoned over the P.A. to head to the start finish line to present the invocation.

We have developed somewhat of a relationship with the track announcer at Caraway, and whenever we are present he invites me to present the invocation...I'm quite honored with that and gladly oblige.

The race was again another smooth one, with minimal incidents throughout the 150 lap race. God's hand has definitely been watching over our drivers, crewmembers, and officials this season.

This weekend we head to Kenly, NC for our next event at Southern National Raceway Park. This race is the furthest from home for us, as we will be logging about 1300 miles round trip. Pray for God's continuing safety and provision as we make this trip...and that we would be vessels of His love and Truth.

Ace Speedway :: DMC Auto Exchange 150

Today we were at race two of our double-header weekend at Ace Speedway in Elon, NC.

After using yesterday to regroup from our 13 hours at Martinsville we headed to the track ready to be at it again! We made it to Ace just after 11:00 AM as our teams were unloading and beginning to prepare for practice. Once we settled in Michelle grabbed the letters and I grabbed the tape and off we went to post our second devotional for the weekend.

Being that today is Labor Day, in today's devotional I shared from the wisdom of King Solomon and his thoughts in finding joy in our toil on earth. Later in the day I had a crew member stop us and thank us for the devotionals at the track...and that he always looked forward to reading them. That really blessed us to hear.

The day was a lot more relaxed that Saturday and Michelle and I just hung out for the post part, and found various conversations as the day rolled through.

We were the third race on the schedule this evening, so during one of Ace's preliminary races I began to walk through the infield praying with each driver as the prepared to get strapped in. This is always one of my favorite times of ministry at the track...and I also believe it is one of the most meaningful times to the drivers.

Tonights race was much cleaner than Saturday's as we ran 150 laps with only one caution for a single car spin. Everyone was able to roll their cars onto their haulers in one piece!

I did learn a valuable lesson tonight. When you are attempting to congratulate a driver in victory lane wait until after the celebrating is complete! I found myself in the midst of a cola and Gatorade shower! Live and learn!

Tomorrow we return home to TN...and I must say with all of the miles we have logged over the course of the past two years it is by God's gracious hand that we have never experienced any troubles on the highways.

We'll be home for a few short days before we saddle up and head back east to Caraway Speedway for next Saturday's race.

Martinsville Speedway :: Whelen Made in America 300

Our double-header weekend kicked off Saturday in Martinsville, VA at Martinsville Speedway for the Whelen Made in America 300 (a combination event with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour).

We arrived at the track just prior to noon, arriving to a very busy infield. There were 53 cars on hand attempting to qualify into the 43 starting positions available to them. Upon arriving Michelle helped as we began to walk through the garage area posting our first devotional of the weekend on the Southern Modified teams' pit carts. The devotional shared on the topic of us finding our ability to accomplish and overcome things in our lives through Christ...not on our own apart from Him.

While Michelle and I travel with the Southern Modifieds, there is another organization that ministers to the Northern Modifieds, Racing With Jesus Ministries. Dan and Don with RWJM had planned a joint chapel for our two communities to be held just prior to the drivers meeting on Saturday. Don's message extended the hope of salvation to a community still healing from the circumstances of the past few weeks (Dan led us in a time of prayer and I presented the afternoon's scriptures). Around 40 of us gathered together for the service...and one young lady committed her heart to the Lord following the service later that afternoon.

Following chapel was the drivers meeting to which the remaining activities of the day were laid out to the large field of competitors. In an end to the meeting I led the two communities in prayer.

As the afternoon progressed the field was narrowed down to the 43 teams that would start the race and the cars were lined up along the front stretch for a fan autograph session prior to their driver introductions. During the introductions, Dan, Don, and I stood behind the stage to pray with each of the 43 drivers following their introductions.

Throughout the race there were a few accidents that warranted a few trips to the infield care center for a few various drivers, but we praise God that everyone that was brought in walked out that evening.

It was a very long night, as we finally left the track after midnight...but I can think of few other places I'd rather be!

A Peaceful Reminder...

This evening we went by our new house to check on the construction and see how things were coming along. As we walked through checking out the frame, roof, and electrical work that have been completed we stumbled across a neat reminder that God is a vital part of our home. The picture above was of the cover that one of the construction workers pieced together for our electrical box. What a great reminder he left for us!

Have a great Lord's day. Little hot, but he will take care of that.

John 3:16 shows the way to peace of mind and heart. Just call on Him and he will help you through every day

Bowman Gray Stadium

This weekend we were at the small bullring Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC. Bowman Gray Stadium is located at Winston-Salem State University. The racetrack doubles as a football field. If you could, imagine a normal 17,000 seat football field. But instead of the traditional running track circling the field, it is replaced with a flat asphalt racetrack. It is quite a facility.

We arrived at the stadium about thirty minutes prior to the gates ‘officially’ opening which allowed us some time to settle in and spend some time catching up with some of our officials as teams arrived and began to unload.

Along with us this weekend traveled my parents. They are huge supporters and contributors to our ministry so we wanted to bring them along with us to see what our time at the racetrack with the NWSMT is like.

As we settled in my dad and I began to walk the haulers and post this week’s devotional letter as Michelle and my mom settled into a nice shady spot! In the devotional letter this week I placed an emphasis on prayer. I drew from James chapter 5 in the devotional, and explored the topic of the power that we tap into through prayer. The NWSMT has an online message forum where I post a bi-weekly devotional and have been working through the book of James so it was a nice continuation to the devotionals the community can access online. We spent just over an hour walking the haulers and talking with drivers and crewmembers as we hung the devotionals.

The tour qualified on Friday night so our Saturday schedule was somewhat condensed. We had two short rounds of practice, as the cars were not impounded following the previous evenings qualifying session. Following practice was our drivers meeting to which we closed the meeting in prayer.

During driver introductions I was able to connect with a few individuals and talk with them at a little more length than what I normally do. I had a great conversation with one of our photographers who had lost both his grandmother and grandfather over the past few weeks. I was able to highlight God’s goodness in all situations as he shared about the ‘good things’ that have come through their passing. He recognized several ways that God worked throughout the situation.

There was a support race to run prior to the NWSMT race, so there was only going to be a short sliver of time for the cars to be lined up on the track prior to the race. That being the case I used the time during the support race to pray with each driver in his hauler. I knew they would be rushed, as would I, so I took this time in order to have a more ‘relaxed’ encounter.

The race is what you would expect in a tiny bullring track like the Stadium. We just praise God for no serious threatening incidents. We also thank God for safety on the roads as we traveled.

Race 5 - NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour

After a long two and a half month break for the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour we found ourselves in Asheboro, NC for race five with the NWSMT. Over the past few months we have spent time at the Music City Motorplex, as well as taking quite of a bit of time for 'leisure travel'.

This weekends race was an abnormal Friday night event so we packed up and headed east Thursday evening. Along with us traveled Raymond Rizzo, another MROA Chaplain whom we have partnered with at the Music City Motorplex. Since the 'Plex had an off weekend this weekend Raymond saddled up and headed east with us as well.

We arrived at Caraway Speedway just around 2:00 on Friday afternoon as the gates were opening to allow the haulers to enter and unload for tech inspection. Upon signing in and heading into the track we had a lengthy conversation with a former Motorplex worker who is now a scorer for the NWSMT. As the conversation wrapped up we hit the row of haulers to post our regular devotional on the teams pit carts/haulers.

In this weeks letter I pulled from Galatians 5:1 and John 8:31-36, speaking of the spiritual freedom we receive through Jesus Christ. This is always a good time to keep in front of and mingle with the many crewmembers that I may not otherwise cross paths with throughout the day.

As the afternoon went on we had a few various conversations and were also able to catch up with an individual whose relationship we have really been nurturing. Following practice we attended the drivers meeting and I closed out the meeting in prayer. In attendance at the meeting was the track announcer at Caraway Speedway, and we arranged with him to have Raymond present the invocation during pre-race ceremonies that evening.

About 35 minutes prior to the race I began walking the 21-car field on the front stretch, praying with each driver individually as they mingled with fans and prepared themselves for the 150 lap race that was ahead of them. As Raymond offered up a prayer, and the command was given to start their engines the cars rumbled off...for the most part closing out our evening of ministry.

Following the race we did catch up with just a few drivers before calling it an evening. We praise God for His watching over us on the highways to and from these events...and for allowing us to be used to share His goodness in such an exciting way.

The Ultimate NASCAR Tailgate Party at Full Life A/G

Just a few pictures from the Ultimate NASCAR Tailgate Party at Full Life Assembly of God. For those of you who were unable to make it, we had an incredible service! The band Over Ashes led us into a time of worship, race driver Jason Hogan shared his powerful testimony, and many people were able to hear the good news of the redemption of Jesus Christ through the service!

At Caraway Speedway Again...

This past weekend we were back at Caraway Speedway for the fourth race on the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour schedule.

It was a bizarre weekend for weather, we encountered sun, clouds, thunderstorms, rain, hail, sleet, and snow...ranging from almost 70 degrees down to 30 degrees. What a weekend for our rental car to be a convertible, eh? Oh well!

We headed east on Friday afternoon, getting into Greensboro, NC right around midnight. The pit gates were not opening until after lunch on Saturday, so we had some time on Saturday morning to 'goof around' and rest up from the drive.

We made our way to the racetrack just after 2:00pm on Saturday. This gave us about two hours before the NWSMT practice started to post devotionals at everyone’s haulers and 'hang out' with everyone prior to cars hitting the track. This weeks devotional hit on Matthew 6:25-34. If anyone is ever interested in reading these letters drop me a note and I will forward them on to you to check out.

Immediately after practice we headed to the drivers meeting. We are continually made to feel welcome with the series at each meeting, and closed it in prayer after the series director finished his deal. After the drivers meeting everyone headed back to their cars to put fresh rubber on them and roll them over the scales. We found ourselves in a few more conversations.

I was also asked again by the track announcer at Caraway Speedway to present the Invocation. This is the third time in the past two years I have been invited by them to pray prior to the race and I gladly obliged. After I finished praying with all of the NWSMT drivers on the starting grid Michelle and I headed up to the announcers tower for the pre-race invocation.

Prior to praying, the announcer asked me to share a few words about what Motor Racing Outreach is all about. Of course I was pleased with the opportunity, and as I finished sharing my 'elevator story synopsis' I invited all of the fans to stand as we went to God in prayer.

Unfortunately, following the invocation, the racing never got underway. What was at one point a light mist turned into a heavy downpour, leading to the cancellation of the race. Bummer!

The race has been rescheduled, however due to many numerous commitments that we cannot break on the rain date, we will be unable to make the rescheduled event. Our only reprieve in knowing we will miss the race is knowing that the 'bulk' of our day is spent before race-time, and the rain-date will be just the race. It is still very difficult to miss the event.

Our next scheduled race with the NWSMT is again at Caraway Speedway in July. Next weekend we will be at the Season Opener at the Music City Motorplex at the TN Fairgrounds. (Their season opener was also rained out last weekend!!).

Greenville-Pickens Speedway...

This weekend we were at stop 3 with the NWSMT in Greenville, SC. This was a tough weekend for us for several reasons. Being that this was our third straight weekend out of town, our energy tank is begining to run low...and the bitter cold weather that pushed through this weekend didn't help things much. Thankfully we found ourselves in a relaxing hotel in the quaint downtown Greenville area. We were able to 'slow down' when we got in town Friday and enjoy ourselves for a bit before we hit the track on Saturday. Not that being at the racetrack isn't enjoyable for us...it was just a nice change of pace for a day!

We arrived at the racetrack shortly before 2:00 on Saturday and proceeded to post devotionals on all of the teams haulers with the help of Michelle. The walk down the line of rigs took a little longer than normal, as more and more conversations are developing through this. I always enjoy writing, and it is encouraging to know I can use this 'gift' for such a purpose. One really cool conversation was a direct result of this...you'll have to take my word for it!

The cold seemed to keep everyone 'hiding for warmth' throughout the day (at least it did us!) That being the case we weren't out and about as much as we normally are, but we still managed to find ourselves in some really good conversations with people. I wish I could tell you more about these 'conversations', but I feel it would be best to just stick with the broad term...but trust me they are worthwhile!

Following the drivers meeting we closed in prayer, and the drivers all found there way to their cars to prepare for qualifying. We sat by the scales as the cars rolled through tech, and noticed that several cars are now sporting the "Motor Racing Outreach" decals that we handed out in Nashville last week. One driver even brought a different car to Greenville, and asked for a few more stickers to put on his other car.

Prior to the race I made my way down the grid praying with each driver before their race. I really love this time to get to pray individually with each team, it is a very intimate time to get alone with God for just a few moments before they strap into their cars. More and more crews are beginging to warm up to me praying on the grid as well, as they gather around and pause while I pray.

It was kind of wierd being out of Church on Easter Sunday to drive home from our trip...but I can't help but think that Jesus would rather us be doing such a thing. We did have 'church' on our way home in the car. It doesn't matter 'where' we worship...does it?

Michelle, isn't she wonderful...

I just have to say, my wife Michelle is great!!

She attends every race with me and stays involved in our ministry...because she wants to.
She takes care of our house for us while I work on other things...because she wants to.
She helps proof read everything I type...because she wants to.
She encourages me and my dreams...because she wants to.
She loves me REGARDLESS of what I may do...because she wants to.

She doesn't complain.
She doesn't whine.
She doesn't dread.
She doesn't fight.

She just loves.
She just supports.
She just encourages.
She just does.

So I just have to say my wife Michelle is the best, no one makes her spend all of her time at the racetrack with me, she just does it because she wants to. How great is she!?! I love her!

(((if there are any typos in this, it is because she didn't know I was posting this!)))

NASCAR Modifieds in Nashville...

Music City was the backdrop for our second race of the season with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. It was a two day event with practice and qualifying on Saturday and the race falling on Sunday. The ASA Latemodels and CRA Latemodels were also finding their place in Nashville for the weekend as well.

When we arrived at the track Saturday afternoon we immediately began hanging our devotional letters on all of the teams haulers...we wanted to get them posted prior to all of the teams heading up to pit road for practice since we only had a brief window before practice began.

Once practice got underway we hooked up with a friend of ours from Louisville, KY who we met at the MROA conference in Charlotte earlier this year. He was in town with a CRA team that was racing this weekend, so we spent some time in their teams rig with him and his wife. It was great to connect with him and exciting to hear about the doors God is opening in his life.

Saturday also consisted of a lot of conversations with people around the track, as well as presenting the Invocation prior to the scheduled ASA race on Saturday evening.

On Sunday morning we got an early start arriving to the racetrack around 9:30. We had some time to have a few brief conversations as well as remind a few people about the Chapel Service we were holding at 10:45. Following the Modifieds drivers meeting 30+ of us gathered around as I shared a brief message on Palm Sunday. To me there is no greater high than sharing the gospel at the racetrack.

We also had a videographer at the track on Sunday with us. He is working on a commercial for "The Ultimate NASCAR Tailgate Party" at Full Life Assembly of God, as well as gathering footage for a ministry video for Michelle and I. He has a tremendous amount of talent in what he does...if anyone is in need of video services check him out www.kevincopeland.com.

Prior to the Modified race Raymond Rizzo, our other Chaplain at the Motorplex, presented the Invocation at the main stage and I prayed with the Modified drivers individually after they were introduced. Raymond was a huge asset and help to us throughout the entire weekend. Following the Modified race Raymond and I took part in the driver introductions for the CRA series that was also racing on Sunday.

All in all it was an outstanding, productive weekend. It can be hard attempting to summarize everything that happens in a two day period of time...but if you want to know more, just ask!

Next weekend we will be in Greenville, SC with the NASCAR Modifieds, and Raymond will be working the season opening weekend at the Music City Motorplex.

Season Opener at Caraway Speedway...

This past weekend we headed east for the season opener with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC.

It was an absolutely beautiful day to be outside enjoying God's creation...the mid-80's temperature was as unexpected as it was welcomed compared to the sub artic temperatures we faced this time last year. All I can say is it was a beautiful day to be outside.

Upon arriving at the track we checked in to receive our credentials and headed into the infield. For this event I prepared a letter for each team that included a short devotional for them to read. So after we found our way into the infield we worked our way down the row of haulers making contact with each team and posting the devotional on each team's war wagon (tool box) or hauler. I plan on continuing with these letters throughout the entire season, I hope it allows everybody the opportunity to 'quiet' their day and meditate on God's word for a few moments.

We exchanged pleasantries with a lot of people throughout the day, but we did not find ourselves in a lot of deep conversation. Being that it was the season opener, everyone was very busy during the day getting ready for the race. The reality of there being 31 teams attempting to make the 26 car field just pushed everyone to work that much harder.

Around 4:00 practice started, and all of the teams hit the track for the next hour. The deafening V8's rumbling around the tiny track eliminated any possibility of talking to anyone...so we settled into a couple of folding chairs in the shade and rested a bit. The drivers meeting was scheduled to follow practice, so once the red flag was dropped and all of the cars cleared the track we headed to the building the meeting would be held in. Following the meeting, I closed us in a short prayer.

Qualifying went smoothly, and after qualifying those who made the race lined their cars on the front stretch for a fan autograph session. I typically use the autograph session time to pray with drivers individually prior to the race...and due to the amount of fans at this event I had to wait in line to pray with most!! This is, however, the only fitting time in the schedule to pray individually with them since immediately after the autograph session they buckle into their rides and get rolling.

I was also asked by the Caraway officials to present the invocation prior to the race, so after some hustling back and forth we found our way up to the tower to offer up a prayer prior to the race.

The race wasn't as smooth and clean as they usually are, with a few more cars than normal finding the hook of the wrecker, however we are thankful to God that there were no injuries.

All in all it was a great weekend, and we are excited about our community making their debut appearance in Nashville this weekend!

Buckle Up...

You're a chaplain for who...???

I know a lot of people aren't overly familiar with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour that we serve...so I wanted to get you "up close and personal" with the type of racing that the community we spend a lot of our time with does.

Check out the two videos below...

Random Ramblings...

For the past few months I have been in a ‘funk’ realizing that time marches on...and things aren’t the way they used to be. At 26 you would think I wouldn’t be having thoughts of getting old...I guess my mid-life crisis just came a little early. Call it fear, call it anxiety, call it nostalgia, call it what you will...I am just ready to be over it! Yes, Christians have emotions and experience ‘funks’ too. Whoever said following Jesus Christ was easy, obviously wasn’t following Him!

So I found myself feeling a little nostalgic tonight going through old pictures on my computer. As I was re-living memories that each picture conjured up I realized...isn’t God good? Okay, okay...we have been told that since we were little, “God is good, God is great”, but think about how good God really is. I may not be a millionaire (or a thousandaire....barely a hundredaire!) but I have everything I could ever need.

I have my salvation. No one can ever steal that from me.

I have my health. If I lose that, this body is only temporary.

I have a wife who is beautiful both inside and out. (I dare you to mess with her!)

I have a family who supports me and loves me regardless of what I do. Christian parents who have brought me up the way I am and in-laws who have accepted me as their family.

I have a shelter. I have food. I have transportation. I have a cat.

God is good. REAL good.

When I was young I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. Now I find myself doing graphic design for all kinds of people and organizations.

When I was young I wanted to work for Walt Disney World when I grew up, now our company helps find entertainment for WDW so in a round about way I do.

When I was young I wanted to be a race car driver when I grew up, now I travel as a chaplain with a NASCAR regional series.

When I was young I wanted to marry my “Cinderella” and live in a fairy tale...have you seen Michelle...goodness!

God is good. REAL good.

So Kyle, get out of your funk. Your past was bright, but your future is much brighter. It’s okay to remember the past, but for goodness sakes boy, don’t live in it! Sure, the things on this earth are temporal. But the things that matter, Jesus Christ, my beautiful wife, my loving family, my supportive friends, they will last an eternity. Because when the earth has faded away, we will still all be rejoicing together.

So am I better now? Not totally...but it sure does help to think about how good God is. Real good.

Kyle

Heading West to Memphis...

With only one week left until the 2007 race season gets started, we hopped in our black chevy and headed west to Memphis to visit with Michelle’s Mom, Sister, and her Sister’s fiance. It is always nice to get away knowing you will have zero responsibility for the next few days! Not to mention it is always great to spend time with family!

After this weekend we dive headlong into our race season, with four straight NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified races over the course of next four weekends. The tour will take us through North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee on our first stretch of races.

Weekly racing at the Motorplex starts in April as well. While we will be out of town for the season opening race, we are extremely excited to have our friend, and now co-Chaplain Raymond on hand for the event. Raymond is partnering with us at the Motorplex this year, and we are extremely excited to have him as a part of our team.

Beyond getting ready for the upcoming race season, we have also been very busy planning “The Ultimate NASCAR Tailgate Party” outreach event at Full Life Assembly of God in Franklin, TN. The outreach will be on July 1st, and is going to be a pretty awesome event! We will tell you more about it as it gets closer...

Seeing that we are all sitting around amidst an engaging game of Rook (I’m down by 15 points!), I better wrap this up. Check back next week for an update on how our first race went! Until next time...

In His Service,
Kyle and Michelle