We all have seen the cartoon with the angel on one shoulder and the devil on
the other. I am sure we have all, at one time or another, been confused
about which one to follow. We know what is right and want to do the right
thing, but there is still that voice in there that tells us we can do what
we want. That internal struggle challenges each one of us. Greetings in the
name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Have you ever bent the rules to get yourself an advantage? Have you
ever taken advantage of something that you knew was a not in the spirit of
the rules but they didn’t say we couldn’t do it. We all have. Yes, all of
us.
John Steinbeck wrote “if it succeeds, they will be thought of not
crooked but clever.”
There are a lot of clever people in racing. Most feel it is the
only way to win, you have to be right on the edge of the rules and sometimes
we even cross it. It has been said if you are not cheating, you are not
trying.
As much as we would like to get away with something so that we have
an advantage over others we still have our own conscience to deal with. We
may try to rationalize it away but the fact remains, we know what we have
done.
Isaiah 5:20, nlt,
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;
Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
One of the byproducts of cheating
is a lack of peace in our lives. We can never relax, and live. We always
have to concern ourselves with getting caught. We are always on the lookout
for those who are watching us. We live our life looking over our shoulder to
see who is looking.
Our life in Christ should be one where we don't have to keep
looking behind us to see if someone saw us do something wrong. We should be
confident that our motive for everything we do is done with integrity and
honesty. Everything we do should be done in a way that would please God.
I must confess, there are some areas of my life that need some
work. When I receive an email and it starts out saying that they saw the
pace car somewhere I immediately think about how I was driving and whether I
was polite and gracious. There are many times I would like to get even with
a driver who drove in a way that offended me or put me in danger, but I must
remember that getting even isn't a fruit of the Spirit, self control is.
We have these two natures in us, good and evil and they wage a war
across out hearts. We struggle with following the ways of God when the ways
of evil seem so attractive.
It is what I have always wanted.
Everyone is doing it.
It’s good for me, I enjoy it, although I know it’s wrong.
We seek to place the blame on other influences; it wasn’t us, we
had to because everyone else was. Even Adam blamed Eve in his sin. But right
is right even if nobody is right and wrong is wrong even if everyone is
wrong.
We have changed our moral code to fit our behavior not the other
way around. We have made evil behavior respectable in our society;
drunkenness, lewd speech and behavior, sex, divorce, honesty to name a few
that have become socially acceptable.
We struggle with how to balance what the world calls good and what
is good in the eyes of God. We need to avoid the trap set for us by the
enemy. We must not call evil good and good evil; no matter how good it makes
us feel. If evil wasn’t appealing it would be easy to choose.
We’ll finish this up next week and take a look at how we can have
victory in that struggle.
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
GOING IN SEVERAL
DIRECTIONS AT ONCE - As I reflected on the events of the past week, the
places I personally visited and the reach of those who serve in this
ministry, I was overwhelmed at what God is doing in the racing community. I
cannot even begin to list how we have grown and how God has brought so many
dedicated people to serve him through us. What a blessing.
I was up at New Hampshire for a Whelen Modified Tour test on
Tuesday, there were about a dozen teams there testing some new
configurations for there upcoming event in July. Some of the teams were not
excited about some of the changes and the effect they had on their car’s
performance but I am sure no matter what the rule changes are they will make
the adjustments necessary to make the Modified race the best one of the
weekend at NHMS.
I took Thursday off to celebrate our anniversary and Bobby
Somers stepped in to cover for me. Bobby had a busy weekend himself,
Thursday at Thompson, Friday at Lee USA and Saturday at Seekonk with the
VMRS. He shared some thoughts.
This week of racing had Vinetta and I covering three tracks with
our first stop Thompson, Lee USA Speedway Friday night and MRS Seekonk
Speedway on Saturday. Even with a 2 hr rain delay Thursday night at Thompson
the action wasn’t delayed once the engines started. One of the divisions
racing tonight, Lite Modifieds, having four cars for the feature race one
would think there wouldn’t be much action. Two cars #3 Troy Talman and #5
Keith McDermott put on an exhibition of passing, drafting, side by side
racing that sure was a fan pleaser. The Limited Late Models put on a great
show with various lead changes and one driver #36 Scott Sundeen making a
great charge to the front and taking the checkered flag. In the Sunoco
Modifieds TC didn’t take long to lead the field with the #31 of Ryan Preece
battling it out on every part of the track for the lead. It was several laps
later that Preece took Christopher high in turn 4 and TC had to back out
putting him back to third place. It was now the #4 of Keith Rocco trying to
chase Preece down but ran out of laps with Preece taking the checkered flag.
Lee Speedway was canceled due to severe thunderstorms in the area
and the NEMA Lites returning on the 23rd of June.
The VMRS rolled into Seekonk Speedway two weeks after Thompson
Speedway and the question in everyone’s mind was did the drivers get some
very aggressive driving out of there system. During the drivers meeting for
the it was spelled out, if you continue to drive aggressive the wallet was
going to become lighter! I don’t know how many drivers want to drive for
free but Seekonk showed that maybe some do? With 29 drivers registered for
the race this was possibly the strongest field of cars in New England.
One highlights of the evening was when Vinetta and I were standing
watching a practice session and a gentleman approached us. Upon pulling out
of his wallet a business card he explained this story. One day Rev Pat
presented me this business card and I placed it in my wallet. During the
evening my wallet was lost and whoever found it removed all the money and
credit cards from it. The only thing left in my wallet was a business card
from Rev Pat. It goes to show you no matter what is taken away from us the
presence of Jesus Christ always remains through tough times and good. Here
is a gentleman that lost all his cash, credit cards, etc but was so proud of
that the one thing left was the card given to him from Rev Pat. and the
reading on the back.
The Valenti Modifieds took to the track late Saturday night with
many drivers pacing, waiting for the announcement to get strapped in. Once
the VMRS took to the track the fans stood and cheered and were ready for
some open wheel racing. It was #86 Nocella and #85 Mechalides leading the 24
Mods to the green flag. Once the green flag dropped #85 took the lead and he
wasn’t giving it up very easy. In fact Louie led all 100 laps with #06 of
Les Hinckley glued to his tail through out most of the race. Hinckley tried
high and low and there wasn’t an inch of the track that the #85 wasn’t
covering to protect his lead. One of the big movers of the night was #25
Rowan Pennink starting 18th finishing in 5th place. What looked like a great
night for Les Hinckley rebounding from Thompson after a controversial crash
on the back straightaway, turned ugly once again at the finish. It was
unfortunate finish for Hinckley when hit on turn four pushing him back to a
4th place finish.
WELCOMING A NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY - Eric Berndt was
scheduled to compete in the VMRS race at Seekonk but had other priorities.
Berkley Auto Racing wishes to congratulate its driver Eric Berndt and his
wife Lianna on the birth of their third child. Daughter, Summer Kate was
born Friday night weighing 5 pounds 3 ounces and 18 inches long. She joins
sisters Brooke and brother Parker. Join us in welcoming Summer Kate and
congratulating Eric and Lianna.
SUPERS AT THE BOWL - Saturday night saw ISMA return to
Waterford to give it another try and Rev. Ray was there to take in the
action, he filed this report;
You know it’s Thanksgiving when you smell the turkey roasting in
the oven and you know ISMA is in town by the smell of alcohol fuel in the
air. The big boys brought their fire breathing big toys to Waterford
Speedbowl to put on a 50 lap show. The International Super Modified’s once
again pounded the ground and shook the stands with their winged super
modified cars. And put on a show they did. When the fireworks cleared in the
fourth turn on the last lap, Aston, PA’s #75 Lou Cicconi crossed the finish
line, closely followed by the “Ice Man” from Seville, OH #65 Tim Ice, and
3rd from London, Ontario #78 Mark Sammut. A terrific race, with wheel to
wheel action that did not disappoint! If you missed the thunder this week,
they will return to Connecticut to do it all over again at Stafford
Speedway, Saturday, June 30th. Fair warning, Rev. Ray
STAFFORD FRIDAY, GRESHAM SATURDAY - I headed to Safford on Friday
to help out our track chaplain Ben Greenier for the Coors Light 100 lap
SKMod race, but the weather had other ideas. I was able to visit with a few
folks before things got going but soon had to head south.
With an early morning flight to Atlanta we hit Gresham Motorsports
Park in Georgia a little before noon. What an excellent race facility and
great southern hospitality. Our west coast coordinator was in town for a
shoot and Gary was able to join us out at the track.
The race looked like there was a little hold over from Bowman Gray
and the K&N drivers let the heat get the best of them. They waved the red
flag three times for extended track cleanup and many cars needed significant
work to get back on the trailers.
Cale Conley set the pace but on a late race restart Kyle Larsen
took the lead and the checkered flag. Although disappointed Cale knew second
was much better than the finishes he experienced in his rookie season and he
will be in victory lane soon.
Kyle on the other hand brought the only one of the four Rev Racing
cars still in one piece to victory lane. It was bitter sweet for them as
they have significant work to get ready for the next race at Langley, as do
many teams.
TWO WHEELED ACTION - This week along with the local scene I
have the honor of bringing the invocation for the Saturday events of the
Loudon Classic. From there I head over to Star Speedway for the SBM 125. It
should be another fun packed weekend of racing action. See you at the track.
Until next time, be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals
and apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at
http://www.rwjm.com/store. Send us your prayer and counseling needs no matter
what part of our racing family you are in, or give us a call. 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.
See our on-line Apparel
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Check our home page
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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***
June 13
MARCEL & CHRIS DUSSEAULT- "Deuce" and his wife from Somersworth, NH are
former owners of the NASCAR KNPSE Marc Motorsports team and have their 47th
anniversary.
SAL & FRIEDA MAGLIO- These fans from Scranton, PA have their 39th wedding
anniversary.
June 14
DICK & PHYLLIS WOLSTENHUME- This retired Beech Ridge Speedway driving mutli-time
champion and wife share their 52nd anniversary.
June 16
AREA AUTO RACING NEWS- The East's leading weekly racing publication, led by
Publisher Lenny Sammons, celebrates its 47th anniversary.
DANA & LAURIE SAVARY- This Plymouth, MA Seekonk Speedway Street Stock driver
and wife celebrate 31 years together.
June 17
DEBBIE AND CHRIS McMURRAY- from Catskill NY are celebrating their 7th
wedding anniversary
June 19
CHRIS & LORI HALSTEAD- Point Pleasant, NJ ProStock driver at Wall Stadium
and wife celebrate anniversary No. 13.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
June 13
DAVEY HAMILTON- Boise, Idaho SuperModified great, now IRL driver.
RON KEYS- Nottingham, PA Sprint/ Modified driver.
SHAUN BUFFINGTON- Plainfield, CT Modified driver.
DIRK STEPHENS- Tumwater, WA NNS/All Pro/CWTS driver.
KEVIN RICHARDS- Spokane, WA NASCAR West driver.
IRENE GEHRIS- Grandview Speedway's VIP Registra and AARN Vickie's mom.
ADRAI SCHAFFER- One of Grandview Mod driver Rick and wife Donna's children.
FRANK L'ETOILE, JR.- Son of Massachusetts ProStock driver Frank and wife
Beth.
June 14
JACK MILLER- Dr. Jack, Carmel, IN IRL driver.
LEVI SCHULTZ- This Quakertown, PA 250cc Micro Srpint driver at Borger's
Speedway in Saylorsburg, PA.
JOEY CAVALLERO- This Wall Stadium fan and son of Tom and Sally and also the
nephew of Steve "Woody" Woods and wife Tammy.
June 15
BRENT SWEET- driver of the #1 SK Mod at the Waterford Speedbowl turns 21 yrs
old. He is the grandson of the Late Bill Sweet Sr. who was a 2 time champion
at the "Bowl". Brent will be debuting his newly rebuilt SK on 6-16-12 one
day after his "Big 21 Day"
TODD HUMPHREYS- Elbridge, NY NASCAR KNPSE driver.
TREVOR NICKEL- This aspiring photographer is the son of Thompson Speedway
photographer Scott and Joan.
June 16
SCOTT PURSELL- Frenchtown, NJ dirt Modified driver.
DEREK LYNCH- Augusta, ME LM/NASCAR KNPSE driver.
VICTORY MIBELLI- Windsor, CA NASCAR West driver.
THOMAS SCHRAMM- Hulmesville, PA Legends driver.
BOB SNYDER- PA photographer.
NIKKI KITCHENS- Daughter of Birmingham, AL NNS driver, team owner Jimmy.
DAN POZZUTO- The VP of Operations for Ed Ferree's corporations based in
Saxonburg, PA and team member on Ed's winning Pennsylvania Motor Speedway
Big Block Late Model.
June 17
TOMMY BARRON- Ontario, NY driver of the dirt ProStock 28T at Fulton
Speedway.
WAYNE SAVLUK- Lisbon, CT former Mod/ProStock driver; proprietor of Savluk's
Service.
PAUL SURPRENANT- Agawam, MA based Modified driver.
ELAINE LaLUMIERE- Jefferson, NH wife of former ACT driver Rene.
June 18
GIL HEARNE- Hueytown, AL born retired multi-time Wall Township Speedway
Modified champion.
JOE MAMMOLITO- Long Island retired Modified Series driver.
GAYLE FERREE- From Saxonburg, PA is the wife of Ed; championship Big Block
LM dirt driver.
JILL OKULA- Daughter of Wayne, Charger Driver for #67 at Riverhead Raceway &
Sharon.
June 19
SCOTT RIGGLEMAN- Howell Township, NJ ARTS Truck championship driver.
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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