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.
