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(Revised Version of #30891) This tract includes some inside thoughts from several NASCAR drivers regarding not only the dangers of the sport, but the faith that sustains its people through it.
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There’s nothing else like it. Its stadiums are filled with the largest crowds of any sport, watching drivers charge around a racetrack at over 180 mph—within mere feet of each other. But the constant lead changes and constant friction between drivers means constant danger. In the ten months between May 2000 and February 2001, four gifted NASCAR drivers lost their lives in race crashes. Adam Petty (grandson of legend Richard Petty), Kenny Irwin Jr., Tony Roper and, finally, perhaps the sport’s most notable figure, Dale Earnhardt. The feelings and emotions surrounding such losses run deep, not just for the drivers and those closest to them, but for their millions of fans as well. Here are some thoughts from inside NASCAR regarding not only the dangers of the sport—but the faith that sustains its people through it. /////A World of Danger... “It was such a great season (2000) in so many ways, but the deaths just put a real cloud over it” Darrell Waltrip (3-time Winston Cup champion, retired) 1 “We lost some family members, and losing a family member is not something you ever put behind you.” Mike Helton (NASCAR president) 2 “This sport is unique in the most profound sense. Nowhere but in motor sports must everyone, owners, drivers, fans and media deal with the specter of serious injury and death.” Bob Ley (ESPN) 3 “This is not a 100 percent safe sport. This is a dangerous sport. It may be the most dangerous sport.” Jeff Burton (car #99) 4 “[Fans] don’t want to see drivers die. They want to see drivers defy death. That’s the appeal.” David Poole (Charlotte Observer) 5 But sadly, NASCAR drivers don’t always defy death. And neither will we, nor will our family and friends, when our time comes. So what then? How can we get through this? /////A World of Faith “I don’t think you get through something like this without your faith in God—and I’m not talking about a casual acquaintance.” Kyle Petty (Adam’s father, car #45) 6 “The most important thing to do is to pray and study the Bible. God can take your need and bless you as well as others around you if you put Him first.” Darrell Waltrip 7 “The Bible is truth—plain and simple. God created…you and me…for a purpose. He wants to have a relationship with us. At age 9, I trusted Christ as my Savior and Lord.” Joe Gibbs (NASCAR team owner) 8 “There’s a lot of different ways to live your life, but there’s only one right way and that’s to live for God. John 3:16 rings so deeply with me as the most significant part of Scripture...” Dale Jarrett (car #88) 9 “Young people look up to race car drivers. We can use that to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. Racing is full of ups and downs and a lot of pressure, but Jesus is the one you can go to with all of your needs. He is the answer.” Mark Green (car #98) 10 So how about you? If you are convinced of your need for Jesus Christ, you can become a Christian right now by reading and accepting these “Steps to Peace with God” from Billy Graham: Step 1 God loves us, and He wants us to have eternal life…. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 Step 2 …but our sin separates us from Him. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2 Step 3 So God sent His Son, Jesus, to bring us back together with God. “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all….” 1 Timothy 2:5–6a Step 4 Our response is to receive (trust in) Christ. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12 How to receive Christ: 1. Admit your need (I am a sinner). 2. Be willing to turn from your sins, to change your selfish ways. 3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. 4. Pray to receive Jesus Christ into your life. What to pray: Dear Jesus, I know that I am sinful and I need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died to pay the penalty for my sin. I want to turn from my sin and follow You instead. I invite You to come into my heart and life. Amen. “My belief is that in the twinkle of an eye, you’re in the presence of the Lord.” Michael Waltrip (car #15, 2001 Daytona 500 winner) 11
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