Many of us have memories of racers that have left us. We keep their memory alive by taking time to recognize them and honor them during the racing season. Riverhead Raceway remembers Tommy Baldwin, Richie Evans and Charlie Jarzombek in a Memorial Race. Many times with several vintage cars; some from “Charging” Charlie Jarzombek as well as a “Tiger” Tom Baldwin 7NY. Racers don’t want to forget the past; they celebrate it and use that memory to keep them pressing forward to race another day.

As I mentioned it is Vacation Bible School Time at Christian Life Chapel. This passage was our focal and memory verse this year. They are significant in encouraging us to persevere as we remember those who paved the way for us. 

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.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

Remembering the perseverance 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 and the encouragement that that brings.

The Shane Hammond Memorial is a race that has significant meaning to me. I was there the day Shane went home to the Lord. I have walked beside his mom through the days that follow, the good, bad and ugly. I have watched her make every effort not to let his short life be forgotten. She is a great witness to endurance and perseverance. I was thrilled to see her as she made her way into the pit area at Monadnock this last Saturday, we shared an embrace.

She knows the pain of loss that comes when a child goes home. She has been by Lynda and my side helping us through. There is a special bond, not one we welcome or ask for but none the less we share. She is more than just a friend, she has walked the walk and has inspired us to do the same.

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 to 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.

Victory Lane is a special place for his mom. The joy on her face as she presented trophies to the winners in Shane’s honor. She truly is 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. 

It is difficult to carry on if one of your children dies. Where does the strength come from? I think of Shane’s mom, Deb Marvuglio, and I know we have someone to emulate. We have a great witness.

Deb took the time to pour out her heart, to share what is really going on behind her smile and effervescent personality. She allowed me to share it with you.

“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 remember 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 3:16)”

Deb Marvuglio, Shane and Anthony’s mom, Shane Hammond Believe Foundation

We are surrounded by so many who have paved the way for us, finished the race and inspired us as the lived. Think about those who are following us. Are we inspiring them to finish well?

There needs to be examples to the life of faith for others to follow. Those of us who believe and know Christ must set that example. We are set apart. We need to remember that and live our life knowing someone is following our example. Finish well!

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.

One of the most challenging things to do in racing is to keep your composure when everything around you is going crazy. Learning how to do that is difficult. It requires that we endure situations that test us and strain us. But when we develop that composure we go a long way toward responding in a way that honors God. 

What does it take to win a race? We have many thoughts but are they valid? You need a fast car, but the fastest car doesn’t always win. You need a car that can get out front and lead, but the car that leads the most laps doesn’t always win the race. You need the skills and talent to drive a racecar, but the most skilled driver doesn’t always win. Surely a skilled team that can make the necessary changes during the race would win, but the best team doesn’t always win. Well as you can see it is difficult to put your finger on the necessary ingredients to win. They are all needed at some point but the right formula can be elusive.

What does it take to win? I guess that depends on the race you are running.

To run a race at the track we need all the things mentioned above, we need them to come together on race day but that doesn’t guarantee victory. We need to run the race. We also need to finish the race. Things will happen as we run the race that will have a significant impact on the outcome. If we don’t finish we can never win.

Running the race properly involves responding to situations in a way that honors God. If we do not handle ourselves correctly we will not finish the race. How should we run to ensure we will finish? Listen to what Paul writes.

1Corinthians 9:24-27, Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

I am reminded of the story of David and Goliath. If we look at the two competitors the race was over before it began. On one side we have the giant Goliath, an experienced fighter and intimidating. On the other side we have a Shepherd boy with no armor, just his sling and staff. There was however something that tipped the scales in David’s favor; God. Goliath fought with his own strength and power. David fought not only with his strength and skill, but also with the blessing of God. You see, to run the race in a way as which to win, you must race within the will of God.

Paul points out three things that are important. God blesses us when we follow His direction. When we choose to take things on with our own strength and understanding we are not running in a way as which to win. 

Don’t run aimlessly. In order to finish the race we must know where the finish line is and the way to get there. God provides a direction for us. Seek Him out and follow His guidance. He is the best crew chief going.

Don’t fight against things that are not there. Too many times we spend our energy worrying about things that haven’t even happened. We get anxious and try to predict the future, don’t get caught up chasing the shadows of things that are not there. Deal with what is real and use the wisdom and strength of God.

Don’t be disqualified. We can reason our way out of doing the things that are right. We find excuses to justify the choices we make. We cannot let ourselves give in to our selfish desires, but instead we must do what is right. We can justify anything we do with many reasons, but that doesn’t make it right. We must do what is right in the eyes of God.

Paul adds that there is a way to respond that honors God. We need to reflect the character of God when we run the race. Only then can we have victory when we finish the race.

Ephesians 4:1a-3, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Humility, gentleness, patience, and self-control don’t seem like traits of winners, but I contend that we will win so much more if we display that character than we ever imagined. Reflecting the qualities of God will produce a desired result that is satisfying and fulfilling. Not only for us but for those around us.

Many times we race against competitors who are full of themselves. They strut around like they are so great. They are full of pride and arrogance. I am here to tell you if you get drawn into that thought process you will never experience the joy of victory. Don’t get me wrong you can still be competitive and a tenacious combatant and still honor God. The secret is not to think more of yourself than you ought to. Look at David and how he was able to be victorious over Goliath. 

Goliath laughed at him when he walked on the battlefield. Goliath insulted him and the nation he represented. Goliath didn’t take him seriously. David wasn’t defeated by the arrogance of Goliath. He placed a rock in his sling and flung one stone striking Goliath in the forehead and killing him. 

We need to remember what we have been called to and run the race in a way that will honor God. We will not wilt when the circumstances seem to be overwhelming, when the pressure seems too much. Whatever we do will prosper, we will taste victory. Look forward to experiencing God’s blessings. Run in such a way as to win! Finish with the blessing of God.

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.

Have you ever seen twelve hours go as fast as it does on race day? The hours turn into minutes, the minutes into seconds and before you know it the checkered flag has fallen and it’s time to pack up and head home. This is especially true when you are chasing the setup or you are trying to repair some damage. The next thing you hear is the call for your heat or feature. Where does the time go?

We can get so caught up in chasing our tail that we forget to look around and enjoy the life we have been given. We set our sights on getting somewhere, doing something and it becomes all consuming. And then it ends.

This past week RWJM lost Chaplain, Flagman, and Servant of God, Scotty Frazier. He was a friend to all, a give you the shirt off his back kind of guy. It wasn’t expected and that makes it difficult. Scotty had a big heart and made it a point to find out what was going on in your life. He would ask you how you were doing and really want to know the answer. Often his first words were; “How can I help?” He was as genuine as they come and that showed through in everything; from the way he flagged to the way he prayed to the way he would give you his undivided attention in the midst of a busy pit area. He treated each one the same, with value and respect. Godspeed my friend, until we meet again.

When I look at the photos of my children and grandchildren, I am reminded time goes by all too quickly. I wonder sometimes if I spend enough time with them. I wonder if I have shown them the right way, the way of God. 

We get caught up in things that seem important, things that need to get done, but in hindsight they were not the most important thing we could have done. We are guilty of placing importance on things that are not truly important. We lose our priorities. I am reminded of the Serenity Prayer;

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

Knowing the things we cannot change takes wisdom. It also takes experience. We need to be at peace with the fact that everything will not play out the way we planned. Even with that understanding we have an agenda and when it doesn’t go the way we planned we are disappointed. When things turn tragic, we grieve. 

God promises us that He will provide for our needs. He has it all under control. We need only to trust Him. Proverbs explains it this way:

Proverbs 3:5-6; Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 

There is too much life to live to be enslaved to the rat race. Try to avoid getting so busy with things that we forget about what God wants us to do. Try to avoid getting so busy surviving that we forget to take time to look around and see what others are going through. God promises to provide what we need to survive. God wants us to focus on what others are going through instead of focusing on ourselves. 

If you have put your trust in yourself and your own understanding then you will be disappointed. Even if you accomplish everything you think you want you will still be missing something. It is God and God alone that can give you abundant life. Fulfillment in life comes only through Jesus Christ. No matter what we have, what we accomplish, what our social standing is, it will be incomplete without a saving knowledge of God through Jesus. Scotty knew that and desired to share that.

John 10:7-11; Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

Do you see the promise contained in that verse? In Jesus we will find pasture, a place that supplies all our needs. Remember Psalm 23? 

Psalm 23:1-3; The LORD is my shepherd, I have all I need. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

It is Jesus who brings abundant life, who leads us to green pasture, who restores our soul. The promise from God is one of abundant life; a full life that has no regrets, no dissatisfaction, a life that is complete, a life that honors Him. 

Do we ever want to consider what God has for us? I encourage you this week to STOP. Take a step back and review your thoughts and actions. Ask yourself, who am I living for? 

Don’t get consumed by the pressure to get things done. The line of the song says, “Life’s too long to live like this.” Focus on what is truly important. Focus on what will affect eternity. Focus on the things of God. Live in such a way as to be sensitive to the leading of God. 

To do this we must step off the gerbil’s wheel and stop running so fast that life is a blur. We need to slow down and let things happen. Watch for where God is working and join Him there. God is the provider of time. The challenge is, He doesn’t share with us when our time is at an end. We must use the time we are given to find the blessings He has prepared for us. Don’t worry about your schedule. Let God set the schedule and decide what fits. Respond in a way that shows the love of Jesus that is in your heart.

We do not know what tomorrow will bring and all our plans, hopes and dreams will not make it’s coming any more certain. We expend so much effort trying to secure the future we overlook the opportunities we have to make a difference in the lives of those around us each day.  

Maybe some adjustments are in order?

Psalm 118:24; This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 

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.