.
I had the opportunity to attend some races this past week that carry more
meaning than “just another race”. We call them “Memorial Races”. These races
help us remember competitors and others connected with our racing community.
Who is on your mind today? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ.
For racers numbers are as significant as words; #00, #1, #3, #7ny, #37,
#61, #76 to mention a few. Many of our lives have been built around these
numbers. There are many memories, stories, laughs, cries and encouragements
that come to mind when we reflect on these numbers. They are milestones in
our memories of those who hold a special place in our hearts.
Hebrews 12:1-2a; (NLT) Therefore, since we are
surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us
strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily
trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and
perfects our faith.
Remembering the endurance of others helps us continue on against the
obstacles we face every day. Those that are gone too soon do not leave us
alone; they leave us with their example. They encourage us to continue on.
I remember being in Victory Lane for the Shane Hammond Memorial. Shane
left us in the prime of his life, but he didn’t leave us alone. He left a
deep impression on our hearts. His life, the difficulties he overcame,
everything he endured just get into a racecar. I still can see the smile on
his face. We joke about it often, but Shane was living the dream.
I shared Victory Lane with his mom that Saturday night. The joy on her
face as she presented trophies to the winners in Shane’s honor. She truly
was letting his memory supply the strength for her to carry on. She not only
is living life, but she is using her life and effort to help others be safer
as they race through the Shane Hammond Believe Foundation.
Sometimes I wonder how difficult it would be to carry on if one of my
children died. I wonder where the strength would come from. I think of
Shane’s mom, Deb Marvuglio, and I know I’ll have someone to emulate.
Deb took the time to pour out her heart, to share what is really going on
behind her smile and effervescent personality. As I share this with you
again reflect on the meaning of the numbers in our sport. What have they
meant to you? How can a number mean so much? I could not find better words
to convey their meaning.
“37, is it just a number?”
“The number 37, what does it mean to you? To me, it's not just a Midget
that was transformed over the years from black to white to yellow & blue.
The 37 was a dream that became a reality for my son, Shane. A young man who
had an infectious smile and bright blue eyes. Shane learned about risk and
reward and much more by 15. An amazing karter whether it was dirt or
asphalt, he had a handle on it.
Fast forward to 15, emergency brain and spine surgery where the risk is
death and the reward life; but what kind of life was yet to be determined.
Shane survived and with determination like no other. He fought through pain
and the odds against him to get back to karting. When the pain became too
much he looked for a car that offered more suspension and protection from
the grueling jarring of karting. NEMA that was the ticket; that was the open
wheel racing of choice.
Shane crewed with the Cabral's and that magical day they let him take out
their car at Waterford, he beamed as he climbed out. There was one person
missing that day, his grandmother (his biggest fan, Betty).
We looked at each other and he said, "She's here, she didn't miss it".
Those magic moments continue as his brother Anthony "the Bug" Marvuglio
experienced that feeling at Waterford on more than one occasion. Bug has
expressed, "Mom, he was in the car with me", referring to Shane. Waterford
is a magical place for me and my boys.
Back to the 37, not just a number, a tribute to Shane's Grandfather, Jack
Glockner a man that helped Shane live his dream every step of the way. Shane
and Jack (Pa) worked side by side and Pa bought him that last 37 from Bob
Bradbury another NEMA legend that was taken too soon.
So as you get ready for the Shane Hammond Memorial, please think about
the risks, the rewards and the price; is it all worth it, are you making the
right choices. Every race is a risk, life is a risk. Shane's last race, in
the Jarret #4, was a reward to him, he felt respected, excited, and worthy.
He knew he could do whatever it takes. Sometimes our days don't go as
planned and that one day in April, God had other plans; He took Shane out of
his painful body and gave him eternal life..... For whosoever
believeth.....shall have eternal life. (John 3:15)”
Deb Marvuglio, Shane and Anthony's mom, Shane Hammond Believe Foundation
Life holds deeper meanings for all of us. We think we have it all figured
out. We think we know what tomorrow brings. We don’t. We do not control the
hand of God. As we remember those who walk before us, who show us the right
and wrong, who lead us through this life, remember there is a deeper meaning
to all this.
Romans 10:10; (NLT); For it is by believing in
your heart that you are made right with God,
and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
THE ROAD LEADS HOME - We are back in the Northeast and brought
some mild weather with us. Enjoy, spring is coming and we are gearing up for
the local race season.
It was a great trip, we covered events at several tracks both dirt and
asphalt. We held several Chapel Services with good attendance. We welcomed
new workers to the field and expanded our reach. God is building something
beyond our dreams, He is blessing beyond our comprehension. God is good!
NEW ENGLAND SHOW CIRCUIT - Our own Bobby Somers has been making
the rounds at the regional race car shows. He has been promoting the track
he serves, Lee USA Speedway. We are looking forward to supporting him this
weekend in West Springfield, MA at the Big E for Race-A-Rama, part of Frank
Maratta’s Auto Show. Stop by and say hello.
W e are looking forward to the season ahead, Please consider helping us make
every effort to reach out. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus
is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support
helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
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
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. 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.
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News",
the East Coast’s largest weekly racing paper.
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articles.
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Please remember, we can only do what we do because of your prayerful
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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
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
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RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
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