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Faith and Racing
Sitting behind the wheel of a Top Fuel Hydro Drag boat that reaches speeds of nearly 270 mph tests the nerve and ability of the best drivers in the world. Here in Augusta GA, successful top fuel hydro drivers like John Haas and Glen Wilson take on the Savannah River in the richest drag boat payout this year at the 25th annual IHBA Southern Nationals.
Success, however, doesn't make a driver's heart beat any slower or his mind race any slower. Each time a driver goes to the starting line he or she is taking a risk, a calculated risk, but never the less a risk they might not wal away at the end of the run.
Fair or not from its inception, all forms of racing was viewed by most outside observers as being dominated by rebellious thrill seekers who were looking to quench a thirst for speed. In the modern day, the passion drivers have for racing remains as strong as ever, but the sport has evolved into big business where livelihoods can be at stake with every run.
The pressure can be overwhelming and leave competitors searching for answers beyond the cockpit.
Enter Michael Coleman of Racers for Christ. Michael is a region 2 chaplain who follows motorsports circuits offering a spiritual outlet for those in need. RFC chaplains don't purport to have the answers, but they are there to those with a need.
The safety of drivers overrides all else for chaplains like Michael, but in the unfortunate event where a racer is seriously injured or dies at the track, the chaplains know they need to be far more than just a shoulder to lean on.
With region 2 racing alone, Michael is on the road an average of 15,000 miles and nearly 75 days a year.
When Michael and other chaplains arrive for race weekends, they primarily focus on delivering track-side services to prepare drivers and crews spiritually for their races. "A lot of our ministry happens in the staging lanes," Michael said. "We will go around and hang out with and pray with the drivers before they get in their race vehicles or we will talk to crew members and team owner and pray with them as they request." The satisfaction of spreading the word through Racers for Christ is what fuels Michael and the team of RFC Chaplains. For more information visit www.teamRFC.org
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