Lowes Motorspeedway Invocation for Nationwide Race.

Tonight's invocation on the Nationwide Race at Lowes Motorspeedway was unlike anything I had ever heard. Here is a transcript of the prayer by Rev. Joe Andresen

Heavenly father we thank you that in your divine providence you made it possible for us to be here tonight. And we ask you Lord to watch over our service men and women here and abroad God that you would protect them as they protect the freedom that we enjoy. And now Father God we lift up to you these asphalt warriors, these high octane gladiators who are going to risk themselves for the thrill of the race. We pray that you would increase their talents and abilities, that you would heighten their senses and awareness. God that you would protect them and give them a race that we will never forget. God that we could have a three-wide, door banging drag race to the checkered flag tonight. Yes Father we believe that nothing but good things are going to come to pass as soon as these men hit the gas. So Father we pray by faith with joy and thanksgiving in our hearts and in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and together all of God’s creation says amen and amen

Nationwide at Bristol

Tonight's Nationwide Series race was started with an Invocation by Rev. Rife of the Vansant Church of Christ. Rev. Rife prayed specifically for safety and thanking God for the good weather. It seemed more of a prayer and less of a commercial for the track and NASCAR that we have heard lately.

The National Anthem was sung by David Nail. Nail is an up and coming country music singer. I liked his low-key approach to singing. The announcer invited the crowd to join in singing and Nail's rendition was singable. I liked that.

Watkins Glen

The race is ready to start after the invocation by Rev. Dan Fife of Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church. It sounded weird to hear him say Helava Good Race even though it was the name of the race.

Telluride sang the national anthem with beautiful harmonies. It isn't often that a popular group does such a good job.

There was a fly-over by the 174th Fighter Wing from Syracuse, NY. I hear that fly-overs will be a thing of the past soon. Anyone else know about that?

The Race Starts at Watkins Glen

Nationwide Race is underway and has been exciting so far.

The invocation was given by Rev. Fife of Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church. The National Anthem was sung by Megan Linville. Megan has a lovely voice, however, the pace of the song was rather slow.

I prefer to have the national anthem sung by in marching band style or by a choir with parts. What do you think?

How could NASCAR improve their opening ceremonies?

Show Begins at Indianapolis

Today we will have the running of the NASCAR race at the track at Indianapolis-the home of great traditions.

The invocation was given by Rev. Howard Brammer. He said, "May our appreciation of liberty equal the bravery of its defenders." Good job but not as exciting as last night's invocation by Mark Wright.

The National Anthem was sung by Casey Jamerson of Indiana. That was followed by a fly-over by T-38 Talons of Randolph Air Force Base of Sn Antonio, Texas.

Nice start for the day.

Windy City Raceway Ministries

Tonight's Nationwide race was started with the invocation by Glenn Spoolstra of Windy City Raceway Ministries. You can read more of this ministry here.

How about that fly-over by U.S. Coast Guard helicoptors? Great touch for a city on the Great Lakes where the Coast Guard is so important to us.

I always enjoy the invocation and national anthem but I know there are some out there that don't. What do you think?

Daytona-4th of July Love of Country

Tonight we're watching the NASCAR Coke Zero 400. This center of the NASCAR racing world is featuring Father Ed Waters giving the invocation. The National Anthem was sung by the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus. The music was beautiful and that is how it should be done.

The opening ceremonies including invocation and National Anthem are favorite parts of the race for me because it emphasizes NASCAR love of God and country.

But today, there was even more focus on country because it is the 233rd birthday of our country. Many drivers are sporting patriotic paint schemes on their cars and even red, white and blue painted helmets.

Also receiving attention is Richard Petty because it is the 25th anniversary of his 200th win.

How did you feel about the invocation and the National Anthem?

NASCAR and Christian Ministries

I am very interested in finding Christian ministries that work in motor sports, specifically in NASCAR. I love the Christian message that is always present at the races. The prayer is often given by someone from Motorsports Outreach.

I found this article online called God and NASCAR. But I would like more information.

Dear readers, can you help me out? If you know of NASCAR specific ministries, please let me know at

faithinthefastlane@gmail.com.

Thank you.

Richard Childress' Advice

Max Papis shared the following on twitter today.

Shared great words with Mr. Childress he told racing peaks and valley. Champ comes out of valley faster and never give up so ...I did that.

Good avice to all of us.  All of life has peaks and valleys.  Are you in a valley or even in the valley of the shadow of death? God can be with you during the valleys even more than He is in the peaks.  We tend to be under our pwn power in the peaks but we need to depend on God at all times.

Quilting for Kids

Kyle Petty posted a picture on Twitter a bit ago of three lovely ladies donating quilts that they had made to Victory Junction Camp.  They are Frances Palmer, Betty Motley and Lou Daniel.

According to the Victory Junction website, the camp is "Victory Junction Gang enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment."

I am reminded that each of can do something to help others, no matter what our talents or gifts.  These three ladies worked hours to produce a lovely quilt that will bring joy to many children.

We can each do many small deeds daily to bring love to those around us.  A simple smile, a patient attitude when in the grocery store or a forgiving attitude when driving in heavy traffic can all go a long way to spreading love.  I know it sounds corny but it really works.  Try it and let me know how it makes you feel and those around you.

 

David Poole's Influence

I read a very moving tribute to David Poole written by a young man whom Poole took under his wing and helped along in his career.  How David Poole Changed a Young Sportswriter's Life.

Sam Bundy was a young boy struggling because his parent's personal problems were overflowing and affecting their children.   He says, 

"Here's the truth: Without David Poole, there's a pretty good chance my life would not have turned out as fruitful as it has.

I have a wonderful wife I've been married to for 15 years. We have a wonderful son, a sweet little Lhasa Apso and a nice home. It's my American Dream come true, really, and it can all be traced back to David."

Poole gave this young man opportunites that Bundy followed. He was a sports writer for the Gaston Gazette and is now the sports editor at the Morning News in Florence, SC.

Reading this article shows how just how much the little actions in life can be a blessing and a help to others.

David Poole

David Poole, the NASCAR reporter for the Charlotte Observer and the author of Life in the Turn Lane blog, passed away today, April 28, 2009.  Details of the cause of death have not been released but Mr. Poole apparently collapsed after his radio program earlier today.

I feel that David Poole was the level head of NASCAR reporting-not always taking the popular viewpoint.  He was willing to speak his mind knowing full-well he was going to be thoroughly criticized by his readers.

I have been following and writing about NASCAR for a short time but I definitely followed and respected Mr. Poole's writing and viewpoint.  He was a level head in a cacophony of voices in NASCAR media reporting and opinion.

I venture to say that he was the "Tim Russert of NASCAR."  A talented writer who was taken too early and had much to offer.

However, we must keep this in perspective.  As important as David was to NASCAR, we can't forget that David Poole was also a family man who wrote affectionately about his family.  My heart sends out love and blessings to them at this very sad time.