Waltrip Family Will Find Comfort in Mother's Love

This morning Michael Waltrip posted on social media about his mother,  Margaret, who passed away at 90 years old.

This morning our mom passed away. She laid peacefully in her bed with family by her side. Momma loved her bed and her house. It was just where she wanted to be. The love Mom was surrounded with was incredible. Not just that of the family but from her nurses, sitters and the wonderful ladies from Hospice. There are so many kind people in this world. I'm thankful for all of them.

Our family was blessed to be able to be with mom in the past couple of days. We were all able tell her we love her and she would smile and mouth 'Love you, too'. Knowing we were saying goodbye and Mom knowing we were there by her side made her passing as comfortable as possible.

Thank you all for your prayers. When details of the memorial are finalized, we will make them public.

Darrell Waltrip tweeted the following statement. 

'Mom went home to be with Jesus this morning, we had her for 90 wonderful years, we were all there this morning, thanks for your prayers,"

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Waltrip family.  The Waltrip family will find comfort as they grief.  The last days of their mother's life  they were all at her side. The family was able to assure her of their love. She also left them all knowing that she loved them too.  

The death of a parent is painful but those last days of comfort and love shown to their mother will serve to help them after the first few days are over. 

Jeff Gordon in the Broadcast Booth

Will Jeff Gordon in the broadcast booth bring us closer to the race track or just make us uncomfortable because of his uneasiness in his new role?

Jeff Gordon retired from NASCAR after an record setting career.  He has returned to the world of NASCAR in the FOX Sports broadcasting booth.  Fox has showcased Gordon and is using Gordon to upgrade their broadcast team.  He joined anchor Mike Joy and fellow retired driver Darrell Waltrip.

FOX may be using  Gordon to reach out to fans outside the traditional Southern fan.  Gordon brings knowledge of racing delivered without a Southern drawl.  It has long been difficult to get announcers with great expertise from outside the South where NASCAR was born.

Larry McReynolds talks about this problem.  In McReynold's book, The Big Picture: My Life from Pit Road to the Broadcast Booth, he talks about the problem of his grammar when he first came to the broadcast booth.  FOX provided him with a grammar coach which has been successful in making McReynolds the strong announcer he has become.

Jeff Gordon has broadcast experience developed while he was racing.  He is the only driver to have hosted Saturday Night Live as well as hosting Live!With Regis and Kelly and numerous appearances on various shows.

FOX Sports has great hopes for Gordon's presence at the network.  Robert Gottlieb of FOX Sports said, "Adding Jeff Gordon to the FOX NASCAR broadcast team has immeasurable value.  Outside of his obvious credentials as a four-time NASCAR champion, Jeff crosses over to other sports fans, television viewers and the general pop culture mainstream better than any other racer in the country.  You don't have to know racing to know who Jeff Gordon is and what he brings to the table."

I find Gordon's knowledge of racing and what is happening on the track refreshing.  He struggles more in interviewing drivers and seems uncomfortable in that position.

Gordon's strength is his insight into what the drivers are thinking and feeling as events unfold on the track.

Gordon is sure to develop his expertise as he continues to feel comfortable in his new position.  It will be a benefit to all NASCAR fans when he does.

Kyle Busch Returns to the Scene of His Accident

This week's race at Daytona International Speedway brings Kyle Busch to scene of the accident that side-lined him from racing for many weeks.

Since returning to racing, his life has been on the upward track.  He and his wife Samantha welcomed their son in May.  Last week, Kyle Busch won the Sprint Cup race at Sonoma.

Things haven't started out that well for him this weekend.  During Friday's first practice session, Busch was involved in a multi-car wreck that began with as Busch and Brad Keselowski.  Busch's car was heavily damaged and he was forced to go to a back-up car.  Keselowski was able to return to the track in his car as Busch observed, "He got away unscathed and trashed everybody else's stuff."

Will Busch let it go or will there be retribution during Sunday's race?  

He did show a spirit of gratitude this week by returning to the Daytona hospital where he was treated immediately after the wreck that broke his leg and foot.  He complimented them on the care and expertise shown him during his stay there.  

Is this where we will see the off-track Kyle and the on-track Kyle?  Will he demonstrate the high-spirited and volatile nature we came to expect from him or will he show us the new, and some might say mature, nature that has been evidencing through this year's troubles.

We will check back late Sunday night and we'll all see the results.

Michigan International Speedway Takes a Stand with NASCAR

NASCAR issued a statement on Thursday, July 2, 2015 regarding the display of the Confederate Flag at their facilities and NASCAR events.

Michigan International Speedway signed on in support of NASCAR's stand.

The statement read, "As members of the NASCAR industry, we join NASCAR in the desire to make our events among the most fan-friendly, welcoming environments in all of sports and entertainment."

They went on to say, "This will include the request to refrain from displaying the Confederate Flag at our facilities and NASCAR events.

No doubt, this stand will generate much controversy among NASCAR fans.

I see the problem of one of perception.  In Michigan and other northern tracks, many fans see the Confederate flag as a symbol of what was fought against in the Civil War.  The Civil War is seen as a fight to free the slaves.

However, this perception is not shared by many in the South.  While living in the South, I've heard the Civil War  referred to as the War of Northern Aggression.  That puts a different spin on everything.  That explains the opinion of one NASCAR fan quoted this week as she sat in the infield at Daytona International Speedway.

"We're not flying it for controversy.  Every race, we fly it.  We've got the American flag, the rebel flag, the POW.  It all to me goes together.  Our freedom.  It's Dixie."

But the pro-flag fans have to realize that not all fans feel this way when they see this flag.  It can be offensive and a symbol of repression.

So to NASCAR fans, let's realize our sport is no longer a Southern sport but enjoyed by millions outside of the South.

Kudos to Michigan International Speedway for taking a stand that may cost them fans and attendance at the August race.  However, it may bring in more fans who are happy to see an organization that is willing to take a hard stance because they feel it is right.

NASCAR Drivers Taking it One Day at a Time

Cristy Lane sang it well many years ago.

One day at a time sweet Jesus 

That's all I'm asking from you. 

Just give me the strength 

To do everyday what I have to do. 

Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus 

And tomorrow may never be mine. 

Lord help me today, show me the way 

One day at a time.   

This week has been a rough one for the NASCAR family.  And just as a family rallies together to face challenges, the NASCAR family is coming together for their own to face their challenges one day at a time.

The week started with news that Brian Vickers had developed more blood clots and would have to again begin taking blood thinners.  This would mean he couldn't drive for Michael Waltrip Racing where he had just returned after missing the first two races of the year because of a recent heart surgery.

Vickers shared his story.  After experiencing some pain in his chest, he went to the doctor.

"I did have small clots.  It was still early stage.  I was going to be back on blood thinners for at least three months and then try to figure out what's next from there."

When asked if he would be returning to the #55 if he is cleared for racing, Vickers replied,

 "Well, if I am able to race, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than the Aaron's Dream Machine.  I've been very blessed to have this opportunity the last couple years to be in the 55 Camry and the opportunity to work with Aarons and bring in new partners."

"I've got to get through today and tomorrow and then we'll work about what's next and what's after that."


Vicker's news was followed very closely by an announcement from Joe Gibbs Racing that J.D. Gibbs, president of JGR, had been diagnosed with "symptoms impacting areas of brain function."

The NASCAR family was quick to lend their support to one of the premier teams in NASCAR.  

"All members of the NASCAR and France family extend our thoughts and prayers to J.D. Gibbs and his loved ones.  We've all watched J.D. grow up within our community, and he always has represented himself, his family, the entire Joe Gibbs Racing organization and NASCAR with the utmost professionalism, enthusiasm and energy.  We wish him the best during this time and eagerly anticipate his recovery."

Saturday, March 28  Kyle Larson, Sprint Cup driver for Chip Ganassi who was Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year in 2014,  fainted during an afternoon autograph session.  Although he was alert and awake on the way to the hospital, Larson was going to be checked out by doctors at a local hospital.  At the time I'm writing this, there has been no additional news of Larson's condition.  

One day at a time is all we are promised.  One day at a time is how we have to live because we don't know what tomorrow will bring.  

Our prayers go out for these three members of the NASCAR family.  And for all of you are are facing your own challenges this week.

Faith Works its Quiet Work in our Lives

One of the most touching stories about Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s concerns his win at the Daytona 500 in 2014.

Stevie Waltrip, wife of famed NASCAR driver and FOX announcer Darrell Waltrip, has a quiet ministry to encourage Dale Earnhardt Junior.  She writes out a Bible verse for Junior to place in his race car for encouragement.

Stevie Waltrip's habit of giving a Bible verse started with Dale's father.  Each week she supplied Dale Senior with a verse to place on the dash of his race car while he race in the weekly NASCAR race.

Darrell Waltrip tells the story here.  Stevie started giving her husband a verse on duct tape or a note card each week for his car.  When Dale Earnhardt Sr. saw this, he asked, "Where's mine?"

From that point on, Stevie provided a verse for him as well.  She spent time praying each week for which verse to write out.

The Bible verse given to Junior this past week an it was placed on his car dash was Isaiah 40:28-31

 Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined the Twitter world as he promised to do if he won the Daytona 500.  This week we have had an unprecedented look into the world of Junior.  He is using Twitter at rate of dozens of posts each day.

So the quiet ministry of Stevie Waltrip became public to the half-million Twitter followers of Junior.
What is your quiet ministry?  A little action, done for good, can effect the life of one person or may effect the life of countless others.

Please share your quiet ministry with us.

Quiet Ministry is Shared to Half-Million Fans of Junior

This picture is of the most touching stories to come out of this past week's deluge of stories about Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s win at the Daytona 500 in 2014.

Stevie Waltrip, wife of famed NASCAR driver and FOX announcer Darrell Waltrip, has a quiet ministry to encourage Dale Earnhardt Junior.  She writes out a Bible verse for Junior to place in his race car for encouragement.

Stevie Waltrip's habit of giving a Bible verse started with Dale's father.  Each week she supplied Dale Senior with a verse to place on the dash of his race car while he race in the weekly NASCAR race.

Darrell Waltrip tells the story here.  Stevie started giving her husband a verse on duct tape or a note card each week for his car.  When Dale Earnhardt Sr. saw this, he asked, "Where's mine?"

From that point on, Stevie provided a verse for him as well.  She spent time praying each week for which verse to write out.

The Bible verse given to Junior this past week an it was placed on his car dash was Isaiah 40:28-31

 Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined the Twitter world as he promised to do if he won the Daytona 500.  This week we have had an unprecedented look into the world of Junior.  He is using Twitter at rate of dozens of posts each day.

So the quiet ministry of Stevie Waltrip became public to the half-million Twitter followers of Junior.
What is your quiet ministry?  A little action, done for good, can effect the life of one person or may effect the life of countless others.

Please share your quiet ministry with us.

Priority Setting

Today's Auto Club 400 NASCAR race leaves me with mixed feelings.  The last few laps had me on the edge of my seat.  I was on the phone with my daughter sharing the excitement.

My daughter was saying, "This is going to be good."  She felt that Kyle Busch was letting Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano pass him.  "Kyle knows they are going to wreck and then he'll win."

She was right.  That's exactly what happened.

I love to see good racing.  But I don't like to see wrecks especially when a driver is injured.

We fans are so used to seeing spectacular wrecks where the driver walks away unharmed.  But it didn't happen today.  Denny Hamlin was taken away in an ambulance.  The news on Twitter is that he is going to be fine, but there has been no official announcement yet.

I couldn't help but think of Hamlin's life so far this season.  He is a new father and has been doing well racing.  But racing results are not important when compared to life and health.

My prayers are for Hamlin and a quick recovery.  An experience like this helps us put our live's priorities in order.

Motorsports Ministries

This past weekend I attended the 12 Hours of Sebring in Sebring, Florida. This historic race pitted the best sportscar in the world. What a great time I had. But the highlight of the weekend was meeting some wonderful people who are involved in motorsports.

I attended the chapel service of Motorsports Ministries on Friday morning. Motorsports Ministries is "an organization conceived, developed and operated to provide for the spiritual and emotional needs of the people involved in professional and amateur automobile racing.

At the chapel service, I met Richard Anderson who is the executive director of MM. He shared from his heart about God's comfort in his life during this past few months as he has faced cancer. Rich is still facing surgery coming up in April. His message rang true because he is experiencing God's blessing day by day right now.

Also pictured above is Chris. Chris and I met at the service and she quickly became my guide and help to understanding the world of IMSA, International Motor Sports Association.

I'm sure God lead me to these people to open the world of American Le Mans Series racing to me.

Motorsports Ministries is working hard to be a beacon of help and support for the motorsports family.

I hope to meet Rich and Chris again and continue my relationship with Motorsports Ministries.

In the Blink of an Eye

'In the Blink of an Eye' is Michael Waltrip's recently released autobiographical book. I starting reading it two days ago and couldn't put it down until I finished it last night. The story moves quickly from his early years in Owensboro, Kentucky to his eventual successes in NASCAR's highest levels. You will want to read this before the 2011 Daytona 500 where Waltrip will once again race in the NAPA #15 on the 10th anniversary of the death of Dale Earnhardt in that race.

This is more than a recounting of the events in Waltrip's life. In the Blink of an Eye is the story of faith in his life. Waltrip doesn't tell us details of how faith came to him or what led to his strong faith. But we can see how his faith helped him face the difficulties in his life including the death of his father, his long winless years in NASCAR, the death of his mentor, Dale Earnhardt, and the break-up of his marriage.

Michael Waltrip and his brother Darrell are both big names in NASCAR. However, we have had very little insight into their complicated relationship. Waltrip makes us read between the lines to see exactly how their brother-brother relationship has developed.

In the Blink of an Eye is almost as much about Dale Earnhardt as it is about Waltrip. Earnhardt was both a friend and a hero to Waltrip. Waltrip was just beginning to fulfill his lifelong dream of driving for Earnhardt's racing team when Earnhardt was killed.

Waltrip carries guilt from many of the events in his life including the death of Earnhardt. He uses his faith to process these events and come to grips with the events.

I recommend this enjoyable book. It will give you insight into the world of NASCAR as well as the Waltrip family. Michael's humor is evident throughout the story and you will feel like you are listening to him talk on Inside NASCAR.

Racing in Canada

Welcome to Canada. NASCAR fans are not used to hearing the opening ceremonies offered in French. The province of Quebec, where the race is today, is the only part of Canada that is not bi-lingual. French is the only official language of that province. English is not found on signs or spoken in public locations.

I lived in Canada for 2 years during the 80's. Each time my children heard the Canadian National Anthem, my son thought the final line was

"We stand on guard for thieves."

The Canadian National Anthem is beautiful and actually ends "We stand on guard for thee!"

God & NASCAR

NASCAR begins every event with their "opening ceremonies". This included a color guard to display the flag, an invocation which is an opening prayer and the national anthem. What other sport opens with prayer? None that I know of on the national level.

But this isn't the only time in NASCAR you will see faith in action. I came across an article called

God and NASCAR. Even though it was written two years ago, you may still find it interesting to read about how Christianity is lived out at a race track.

What Does Respect Mean for America

I wrote my column for InsiderRacingNews.com on respect this week. I titled it an Open Letter to Tony Stewart. My personal feeling is that good manners is a form of respect including whatever we do.

Lack of respect is shown by not treating everyone like we would like to be treated. My daughter teaches high school biology. In her classroom there are two rules. 1)Be nice 2)Do your best.

I think all of life would be better if all of us would 'just be nice'.

Is Tony Stewart the only NASCAR driver to not show respect to his fans and the media. Of course not. But Tony Stewart is right out there with his feelings and it becomes evident how he feels.

This extends to the Internet. Just read comments on any news story, twitter or blogs. People can be very disrespectful to anyone who disagrees with them.

Michael Waltrip tweeted recently: Need to learn to debate topics without resorting to insults. It shows a complete lack of intelligence. The unfollow button is easy to find.

I couldn't agree more!

Greg Biffle's Will to Win

Sunday's win by Greg Biffle at Pocono broke a 64 race winless streak for him. Biffle met the press after the race and spoke of his will to win. It was an emotional win for Biffle. His owner, Jack Roush, remains in Mayo hospital following a plane crash this week. The emotion of this past week certainly must have contributed to this will to win.

Biffle spoke of his will to win in a post-race press conference.

"I give 110% all the time, I never give up. No matter how grim the outcome can be, I'll still be digging no matter what. That's what I did today. I just kept after it in the racecar, took every advantage that I could get.

Later in the day, the car just really started going. These guys wanted me to slow down at the end. That's tough. I've been in that situation. Used to be in it quite a bit, being out front, five-second lead, slow down, take care of the car, take care of the fuel, take care of the engine, just back it down a little bit. That's hard to do inside the car."

So it was partly the great car and partly the will to win that pushed Biffle to Victory Lane. All I know is that it made for a great race.

Home on Her Knees

Racing for Jesus is a story about the faith of NASCAR drivers. It was written in 2008 for the magazine Christianity Today but the information rings true today.

It tells in the story that Tony Stewart's mother says she "prays alot" for her son. I have a good friend whose son fights in Mixes Martial Arts. When asked if she attends his fights, she said, "No, I stay home on my knees." I could feel her pain at watching her son fight in this sport where the winner walks away but the loser usually loses consciousness.

As mothers, one of the most important things we can do for our children is pray for them. But when they are involved in an activity that can be life-threatening such as auto racing, it seems like praying becomes even more imperative.

Are any of you readers the mother of someone involved in NASCAR or another dangerous sport. Let me know how you handle it emotionally and spiritually. I would like to share the stories of mothers for the upcoming Mother's Day.

Thanks.

Phoenix

Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, April 10, 2010

The race started with a moment of silence for the West Virginia miners lost this week.

The color guard came from Luke Air Force Base which is very near the race track.

Ken Bower's, PIR Chaplain offered a prayer with a challenge to forgive as we are forgiven.

Dr. Jess McGuire performed the National Anthem on the trumpet and did a great job.

The flyover was 4 F-16's from Luke AFB.

Nice start to the race and the desert looks great.

What is your favorite way to hear the National Anthem performed? I like a group of singers who are singing in 4 part harmony.

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?