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 eight 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
involved 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 youhave 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 oftheir way to make
this a positive experience for the NASCAR K&N ProSeries.
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 track 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.
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articles.
We invite you to input your thoughts as you sign our Guest Book.
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 everyway. Rev. Don
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 Monadnock 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 Figure Eight team.
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO:
RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
TheChromeHorn RWJM Archives
Racing With Jesus Ministries Website
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