Dirt from the Stands by Greg Cybulski
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
