Experience is a funny thing; it can level the playing field. Those that have been there and done that have an advantage over those that are there for the first time. Have you ever sought someone out because they had been there and they knew what to expect? There is not a shortcut to gaining experience; seat time. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

This year has been the year for the “Old Guy” or shall we say experienced veteran. From Tom Brady winning the Superbowl over a younger, some say more talented opponent. Phil Mickelson became the oldest winner on the PGA tour with the PGA Championship and Helio Castroneves became a four-time Indy 500 champion over some much younger competition.

Now don’t get me wrong, experience doesn’t mean you have to be old. When we look at computer technology, oftentimes you are looking for someone young enough to know how the new technology works. 

Either way when we are setting out on a road we haven’t traveled before it is always good to sit at the feet of someone who has experience, talent will only get you so far. 

When the new Camping World SRX Racing experience rolled into Stafford Motor Speedway we saw that illustrated for us. The new series is visiting six short tracks around the country and at each one selecting a local experienced driver to compete against an All-Star lineup of championship drivers. The advantage the local driver has? Seat Time.

Will seat time be enough to overcome the all be it short learning curve of a championship caliber racer? On this night the answer was yes. Doug Coby made the most of his opportunity in the national spotlight, winning the second heat and leading 80 of the 100-lap feature on his way to claiming victory over some of the best drivers in the world. 

His experience at Stafford Motor Speedway shortened his learning curve in figuring out the brand new SRX racecar that was rolled out for these events. I am sure as the events roll on and the championship drivers get more familiar with the new racecar the learning curve of the new tracks will be shortened. But then again, they will have more seat time in the new car.

How can we translate that to life? When we embark on the journey with Christ there is usually someone who has come alongside to share their experience with us. They tell the story of who they were before, how they met Christ and how the presence of Christ in their life has revealed a whole new side of life that is fulfilling and satisfying. They tell the story of their seat time. 

Jesus came and walked alongside his disciples for three years; teaching, showing and helping them understand God and His desire to have a personal relationship with His creation. When it was time for Him to return to His Father, he left them these instructions;

Matthew 28:18-20; NLT; Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

He said, Go and as you go tell people about me, your experience with me. Help them choose to also follow me, teach them all I have taught you. You are not alone; I am with you always. 

I wonder how much we are using our experience walking with God to tell others about Him. God doesn’t ask us to do anything but share how we have spent time with God and how that time has changed us. I encourage you to take the opportunity to share about your seat time with God. It will be Good News for someone who needs hope.

 

RIVERHEAD CHAPLAIN SCOTT KRANIAK

From time to time, I like to share observations from our chaplains, here Pastor Scott shares some of his thoughts.

I have been track chaplain at Riverhead Raceway for over 15 years now. And as I made my rounds last night watching, observing and chatting with my Race Track family – well I saw something so amazing the World, yes, the World, can take a lesson from.  

This is what I mean – as the World and especially our nation reels from disunity, hate, fighting and bitterness well we can take a lesson from the Race community. See at the Track and in the racing world and especially at Riverhead Raceway, you will find all colors of people – black, white, brown, pink, blue and everything in between; young, old, poor, some richer; some with fancy trailers and equipment and some very poor racing equipment, religious, non-religious, this political leaning or another; male and female; actually every demographic of society.  Yet we all get along amazingly and love one another as no one sees the differences only the one bond that sees past our differences – RACING !!!

 

See people it is possible to get along if we all have the same goal and passion. If our little track can (which really is a tiny microcosm of humanity) than the world can do it also. 

Hate doesn’t have to be the result of many diverse peoples living, working and playing together if we have the same central goal and passions.  At the track and in the racing world it’s the love of racing that sees past our differences and we all become friends.  Sure, we argue at times but not because of our differences but simply because of some small racing issue which by next week is all reconciled and forgotten.  

So, there is proof it can work! We just all need to have, at the end of the day, the same goal.  The only problem is what that goal should be.  I felt last night God really showed me that, it’s something that we should never miss. 

Just a thought and observation Pastor Scott, Track Chaplain Riverhead Raceway.

Matthew 28:37-40; NLT; Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.