Posted on 02/26/2011 2:46:10 PM PST by rhema
Quick. Name the only major American professional sport that opens every event with not only the national anthem but also corporate prayer. And were not talking about a neutered, politically correct offering to some generic deity but a bold petition to our Triune God in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
If you answered NASCAR, you would be correct.
With that distinction, it is only fitting that racings brightest star on the horizon is a young, unashamed believer from Knoxville, Tenn., named Trevor Bayne.
This fresh-faced kid shocked the sports world last Sunday by becoming the youngest driver ever to win the Super Bowl of stock car racing, the Daytona 500. Just one day past his 20th birthday and in only his second Sprint Cup Series start, Bayne took the checkered flag in front of a slew of veteran drivers who have been trying to win the Great American Race their entire career. For perspective, consider that it took two decades for the legendary Dale Earnhardt, who died on a last-lap crash at the track 10 years ago, to finally pick up a Daytona 500 trophy.
It was a great storyline: the young, inexperienced driver piloting a car for the oldest and one of the most esteemed race teams in the sport, the Wood Brothers, which had fallen on hard times in recent years. But theres more to this young man than his unprecedented victory.
He first caught my attention last year racing in NASCARs Triple-A Nationwide Series, running strong throughout the season. But more impressive were his interviews with trackside reporters. He had an earnestness and sincerity in his voice that many young athletes seem to lack these days, and it didnt come across as fake or forced in any way. Something was different about him.
Even when the national spotlight was thrust upon him this week, he maintained that same demeanor.
Other drivers have noticed it, too.
Im really happy for him, four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon told reporters after Sundays race. And I think its great for the sport. To have a young talent like thathes got that spark, you know?
Carl Edwards, who finished second behind Bayne at Daytona, added, He is really a nice young man, a great guy to represent this sport with this win. I think the worlds going to like him a lot.
(Including a certain 15-year-old girl in our home, who used to complain whenever I watched a race on TV but was by my side and glued to the screen during Sundays closing laps.)
So who does Bayne credit with his sudden success?
We pray a lot, he said in Daytonas Victory Lane. We expect a lot of things. But this just shows how powerful God is.
Their commitment to prayer was evident even during last Sundays pace laps prior to the start of the race. Most drivers were on their radios talking last-minute strategy with their crew; Bayne spent that time praying with his team.
Of course, sudden fame can change a person, especially when you come home with a winners check totaling $1,462,563. So what will Bayne do with his share?
Ive got a lot of friends that are in mission work, he told ESPN (see video clip below). Theres a ministry called Back2Back Ministries down in Mexico Id like to help out.
Bayne not only wants to help this ministry to orphans monetarily, but also has spent time in Mexico with the organization.
Trevor fell in love with Back2Back and the orphans of Monterrey, writes Back2Backs Lonnie Clouse on the ministrys website. Trevor was not afraid to get his hands dirty. He worked on several construction projects such as fixing a broken gas line at one of the childrens homes (orphanages) and he also played soccer and loved on the orphans.
Clouse first met Bayne through a trackside Bible study and weekly chapel services conducted by Motor Racing Outreach.
It was evident from the moment that I met Trevor that he was a young man that was not ashamed of his walk with Jesus Christ, Clouse writes. I would occasionally have him read the Scripture at the start of our chapel services or open in prayer. Trevor was bound and determined to share the story of Christs love any chance he had.
Now this young man finds himself on a much larger stage to share the gospel with the racing world and beyond.
As Bayne acknowledged on Twitter earlier this week:
.. To whom much is given, much will be demanded.. -luke 12:48 appreciate ur prayers and support!!!
I have alwyas liked Mark, also. I used to see him race at tracks around my hometown back in his ASA days before his first NASCAR effort in 84, then again after that till he was signed by Rousch in 88 or 89. I really wanted him to win the championship a couple of years ago when he was a contender.
A co worker who follows NASCAR says they are ruining the thing.
His dad who is a big NASCAR fan was cutting grass half way thru it.
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