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News from the Christian Motorsports International, Inc. Family of Ministries Volume 2016, Issue #2

/// C O N T E N T S ///

Larry Smiley “And Yet, Marriage … Joy & Priority”Page 2

Rich Trimmer“Bonneville”Page 3

Winners Circle Page 4 & 5

Craig GarlandPage 6

Eddie Baugher Page 7

Hope, Faith, and Love of Racingby RFC Chaplain Tom Ratliff

Have you ever prayed to win a race and then felt guilty for doing so? This is a question I have grappled with for 20 plus years. As a Chaplain I have the opportunity to pray with hundreds of racers for various reasons and in numerous situations. I pray with them for salvation, healing, comfort, strength, wisdom, mercy, safety and many more reasons; but rarely, if ever, have I prayed for a particular racer to win a race. As a racer I have been tempted to pray to win and have even been accused of doing so by some I have competed against! My answer, to those who wonder, is this, "Of course not. God has bigger fish to fry in life than to answer such a selfish, shallow prayer." Good answer Tom! But, that doesn't mean I haven't thought about it. I must confess, there was one final I did pray to win. My opponent red-lit giving me the win. "Humm?!" I was happy for the win but a little perplexed. Did God just answer my prayer to win?! If so, why haven't I prayed to win more often? I don't know; except to truthfully say, I believe, for me, that is a pretty shallow request and I do not feel right about doing so. I am not trying to put this standard or test to others, but for me, right now, it is just where I am.

Having said all that, this past week I witnessed something that happened at the Eastern Conference Junior Dragster (JD) Nationals in Bristol, TN that has me asking the Lord, once again, about praying to win a race. The story goes like this:

Traditionally our chaplains spend most of their time praying with racers in the staging lanes just before they race. Other chaplains serve by ministering to people in the pits or at accident scenes. At this particular JD race the parent must leave the starting line area after their child races and drive

down to the end of the track to pick up their child and then tow them back to their pit space. This usually takes several minutes and their child is usually there standing alone dealing with an emotional win or, even worse, a loss. Historically, John and Sandy Dunham, who are grandparents with a soft touch, have spent their weekend ministering to the kids while they wait for their parents to arrive. They were unable to attend this year so my wife, Cathy, and I took their place at the end of the track. The opportunity to rejoice with the winners and comfort the children who lost creates strong bonds with the children and their parents.

Eliminations began on Friday afternoon. The first group down the track was the 6 to 9 year olds. Most of these kids are practically overwhelmed by the size of this event, yet each of them handles it differently. As the kids get out of their cars, Cathy or I are there to greet each of them. Win or lose they get a hug and a soft word of encouragement, some more than others depending on the situation. As I walked over to help one little eight year old girl, I couldn't help but notice how at peace she was with the whole situation. I gave her a little hug; she smiled and immediately knelt down by her car and began to quietly pray. I didn't know if she won or lost but assumed she had won, and was giving thanks. It was later I learned she had lost the race. The next morning I saw her at chapel service with her parents, but did not get to speak with her.

Immediately after chapel the 6-9 year olds were scheduled to race round 2. After the invocation and opening ceremony I was going through the lanes on my way to the far end of the track when I noticed her in her car preparing to race. Her parents told me she had been reinserted into the race, because of a rule infraction by her opponent in round 1. As I hurried to take my place at the end of the track I couldn't help but recall her praying the day

continued on page 8

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President's Perspectiveby Larry SmileyAnd Yet, Marriage...Joy and Priority Linda and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary in July. In January of 1992 we

met, became friends, dated, became better friends, fell in love, got engaged and were married July 18, 1992. This was a whirlwind time that God had ordained. I cried out to God in 1991 for Him to bring me a Godly wife. He answered my prayers beyond what I could think or imagine.

Linda and I shared very little in common and yet we had stars in our eyes as we lived out the joys of the honeymoon period that lasted a couple of years. EVERY Friday night we met after work in a cool, dark theatre enjoying popcorn and a good movie. Afterwards we would have a nice dinner, spending the rest of the evening appreciating each other’s companionship. It was a priority.

Then life happened and reality set in … kids to be raised, meetings with teachers, broken lawnmowers to be fixed, coming home to flooding caused by an exploded hot water tank - twice, the death of a sister, and so on.

And yet together we have blended two very different families. We’ve said goodbye to both of our parents, after taking on the daunting responsibilities of their care in their aging years. We’ve shared the joys of grandchildren, and have

also learned to accept the reality that one of our children won’t be able to experience that joy.

We have had a truly blessed life together. Linda and I choose to never take for granted or forget that our life together has been blessed and guided by God’s perfect plan. We don’t always understand it in the beginning, but as we “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” as it says in Matthew 6:33a, in time He

carefully weaves a beautiful and complex tapestry of our lives. Just about the time we think our lives are a total mess, He tells us to turn the tapestry over and

look at the side He sees. Living in our everyday, mundane world, we see all the knots on the

backside of the tapestry and all He sees is the amazing picture He wove with those knots on the front! In the middle, we keep choosing to “do the next right thing,” like taking out the trash, prioritizing date night, preparing for days of travel to minister through Team RFC® and connecting with friends and race family. None of this is possible except by His grace and mercy. Then one day He says to take another look

at Romans 8:28 NASB, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

And yet that doesn’t mean everything goes right and nothing bad happens. John 16:33b says, “In this world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” And in His strength, we overcome, too; one step and one choice at a time.

THE JOY OF MARRIAGE DOES EXIST.

IT IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A CHOICE, EVEN BEFORE MINISTRY & RACING.

MAKE IT A PRIORITY!

Connect To Team RFC®

Have you seen Team RFC®’s website recently? You can find pictures, videos and articles. It is now completely mobile friendly and easily accessible from your phone. Come take a look at www.TeamRFC.org.

You can also access the “Our Daily Bread,” daily devotionals and find upcoming events Team RFC® will be attending. There are links to download the YouVersion Bible app and the Team RFC® app for your smart phone. All of this is available directly from our home page.

2016 Team RFC® Golf TournamentThe 8th Annual Racers For Christ® Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, November 9th, 2016 at Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona, CA. It is a great time of food, fun, fellowship and helping support the ministry of RFC. Following the golf tournament

will be the first of two auctions. The second auction will be held on Friday

evening, Nov. 11th at 6:00 pm at the DSR Army/NAPA Hospitality tent at Auto Club Pomona Raceway.

For information about becoming a sponsor, playing or donating items, please contact the RFC office at (480) 507-5323 or by email at [email protected].


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Bonneville Speed Week, how do I put this event into words? The only word I can think of is unique. I have been around motorsports my entire life, either racing or working in the industry – but this was my first Bonneville.

I was blessed that RFC Chaplain Gary DaShiell had laid a firm foundation for several years before I came to the track. Most of the racers and crew knew of Racers For Christ® and welcomed me with open arms. The staff and workers with the SCTA and BNI were very helpful and made me feel at home.

Many of the vehicles are someone’s homemade passion, mixed with some incredible technology. Everything from a 50cc motorcycle, setting the land speed record at 39 mph; twin-engine streamliners, traveling at 442 mph, and everything in between. Yes, Bonneville is most definitely unique.

Sunday morning chapel service was unique as well. Service was at

6:30 am in the impound area. But, at 6:00 am the impound area opened to all the racers who need to make their record backup return run. So, it is a mad scramble for them to get ready to run and be in line by 7:00 am. Chapel service was great – we had a good turn out and, of course, the

sound of race cars, which we all love. Normally after chapel we are finishing up an event. But for Speed Week, we have five more days to go. Yes, Bonneville is unique.

Over the course of this event I renewed wedding vows in the staging lanes (while they waited to run). I talked and

prayed with racers, crewmembers, and spectators. I met so many wonderful people from all around the world with many fascinating stories. A large number of the people you talk with at Bonneville have been coming for many, many years. One person told me there are two types of people, “Those that have never been to

Bonneville and those who will always come to Bonneville.”

I want to thank all the racers and staff for making this a fun and memorable experience for me. I am already looking forward to next year and another unique experience. (P.S. I think I got all the salt off my truck, trailer and golf cart.)

Rich Trimmer serves as the Southwest Region Director for Team RFC®. He

and his wife Teri live in Mesa, AZ. They started off as volunteer chaplains with RFC in January of 2010. Then, in 2012, Rich assumed the role of director.

Ronnie Horwath Racingby Twanna Horwath

My husband Ronnie Horwath of Bunker Hill, WV, has been racing this 1968 Camaro for over 30 years now at Mason Dixon Dragway in Hagerstown, MD. This past January we lost our 29-year-old daughter tragically. Our local RFC Chaplains, Bill Smith of Fairfield, PA, and Newman Sisk of Charles Town, WV, stepped up for us, even though they barely knew us, and were our biggest supporters. Bill Smith took his own personal time and had the memorial stickers (you see in the photo) printed. They came together for her service and have been checking in on us frequently ever since. My cousin, Ken Bowers of Tempe, AZ, also a RFC chaplain, is one of the kindest men I've ever known. So you can see why we are big fans of the RFC organization.

Paul served Team RFC® in the role of Vice President for 4 years and Executive Director for 7 years. During that time, he served as chaplain at many events, including Arizona events at Manzanita Speedway, Canyon Speedway, Arizona Speedway, and USA Race Park. Paul also officiated many weddings and made many hospital visits. We are thankful for the time Paul worked with us. Our ministry grew and thrived under his leadership.

On September 18, 2016, cancer ended the earthly life of Paul Neighbors as he entered heaven to hear the words, “Well done good and faithful servant,” from his Lord Jesus Christ.

If you would like to give a gift in memory of Paul, make your check payable to Team RFC and mail it to 1250 E Baseline Rd Ste 101, Tempe AZ 85283. Please write Paul Neighbors in the memo line.

Bonnevilleby RFC Chaplain Rich Trimmer


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The Winner’s CircleWayne Monahan 1976 - VW Rabbit MK1. He won the 'Dash for Kids' road race.

Lane Duncan participates in the Lone Star Garden Tractor Pulling Association. With him is RFC

Chaplain Steve Mack. This photo was taken at an event in Bonham, Texas.

RFC Northeast

Region Director,

Dale Ressler, at

the Cecil County LODRS

with Super Comp

Dragster driver Chase Fahnestock and his parents Joel and Crystal.

Super Comp racer, Matt Rose, during second round eliminations at NHRA Lucas

Oil Division 5 race in Brainerd, MN

RFC Chaplain Jeff Allen at Thunder Valley Raceway Park in Noble, OK. Jeff is also temporarily taking over driving duty for the Nitro Monkey.

RFC Chaplain Russ Elzy praying with Jason Anthony at the Divisional in Brainerd, MN. Jason’s wife, Laura, said, “So thankful for Russ' prayers!”

Neither rain nor heat will keep Chaplain Mike Griffith from baptizing Randy Neill

at the Marble Falls drag boat race.

RFC ChaplainBrent Austin

serves as the track chaplain for Dodge City Raceway Park.

He sent us this picture of sprint car driver Cody

Lampe sporting a RFC decal on the back wing of his

racecar.

Martin Schulz, RFC Northwest Region Director, saying the morning

prayer on the starting line at Woodburn Dragstrip, located in Woodburn, Oregon.

The RFC kids program, at

the NHRA Nationals in Topeka, KS,

had some special

guests. Here we see RFC

kids Chaplain, Clifva Budke; along with John Force, and daughters

Brittany and Courtney, joining in on the fun. NHRA Nitro Funny Car driver, Tim Gibbons,

along with his crew standing next to his Hot Rod, showing off his Team RFC® sticker.

Rodders For Christ® Directors Mike and Judy Oginsky. Mike was awarded the Shirley Boothman Humanitarian Award at the Clinton Township

Gratiot Cruise. He was quoted in the Macomb Daily news, “I just love people, I love cars, and I love Jesus most of all.”

RFC Chaplain Jeff Bryson at the AWANA Grand Prix (aka Pinewood Derby) at East

White Oak Bible Church. He has represented RFC at this event for the last 5 years. He also

brings a car for the kids to take pictures with and answers questions about racing as well

as his involvement with Team RFC®. The parents even get drawn in, asking questions

and requesting prayer.

Here is NHRA announcer Alan Reinhart, Allison (National Anthem Singer) and RFC Chaplain Vince

Ottway at Beech Bend Raceway, in Bowling Green, KY.


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Super Streetracer, BradRose, trying tomake the bestof the soggyconditions atthe NHRA LucasOil Nationals inBrainerd, MN by fishing ina puddle.

Jim Joyce and his friend Kevin Brien Smith Jr. are building this '65 Comet to spread the Great Word around in the northeast. They are looking forward to seeing what God has planned for them.

Here is a nice wheel’s up shot of Keith Rizner’s 1970 Mustang Coup. Keith has his Team RFC® sticker on the driver’s side of his windshield. This picture was taken at his home track, Bandimere Speedway. Keith told us how much he

appreciates Chaplain Ken Webb and the work RFC does at the track.

Seth and his older brother, Skyler Bee, both 2015 class champions, at

Muncie Dragway. Jay Rowe serves as their track chaplain. Mom, Shelley,

said, “We are very thankful that, as we travel around racing with our boys,

we also attend church at a track near us, thank you for your services.”

RFC Chaplain Cami Brantley praying with Heath Tate. His boat is named Wegeners Warrior after a disease that Jennifer, his wife, has. Jennifer told us, “What we remember about

[Cami] was that she came to our tent and spoke with me about Wegeners Disease and also prayed with us at the tent. Will always remember that!”

Joan Wadsworth of McDonough, GA is standing next to the chapel sign at

Englishtown, NJ. Her husband, Larry, said they had a wonderful time there. Joan’s granddad was the owner of Yellow River Dragstrip, east

of Atlanta, which has since closed.

Jack Wilkerson in his ‘79 Camaro at Muncie Dragway in Albany, Indiana.

Pullers For Christ Chaplain Ed Preston sent us this picture of David Becker’s, “Light The Fire" tractor.

RFC Dirt Sport Ministries Director Steve Hanson praying with multiple teams at the Best In The

Desert Vegas to Reno race starting line.

Tim and Terri Hamilton serve as

the series chaplains for the DSRA. Tim is having a group

prayer with some of the racers at their

event at Moss Point.

Mark Budke and Linda Smiley praying with Top Fuel driver JR Todd.

RFC Chaplain Tammie Smith with Dorri Sanders and Hope Wehunt. Tammie tells us, “The women in motorsports have a special place in my heart and ministry.”

Southwest Chaplain Matt Miller prays with Greg Means. Greg drives a Nostalgia Eliminator 1 in the

NHRA Heritage Series and ANRA racing series.


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Heeding the CallTeam RFC® covers over 2,000 events a year. Unfortunately there are still many more events, happening every weekend, that do not have a RFC presence. We rely on volunteers, who feel God's call upon their life to serve within the world of motorsports, to help fill these gaps.

Do you love racing or rodding? Do you love the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart? Would you like information about becoming a volunteer for Team RFC®? If so, please call the Team RFC® office at (480) 507-5323 or send us an email at [email protected].

Team RFC® Chaplains can be found all across the United States and around the globe. They come from various vocations, backgrounds, men, women, young, and old. Their passion is Christ, their purpose is serving the world of motorsports.

The NHRA Mello Yello National Event Touras seen by Series Directors Craig and Beverly Garland

Here we are in the countdown to the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Championship and it seems as though we just started the season. Yes, it’s a tough schedule, with all the traveling, but we have been blessed each and every mile we have traveled.

At any given race our first order of business, if you will, is to pray. We pray for safety at the track, travel mercies and protection for each team, vendor, official, and Chaplain traveling to the event. We all know the dangers of being on the open road as much as we are and we covet your prayers as well.

We normally arrive at an event two days prior to opening day, depending on travel distance. Getting to the track early gives us a time to visit, and most of the time to do laundry. Beverly and I have had some of the greatest times of fellowship during the days before the race; not only with teams but also with other officials and support staff. It’s not uncommon to have a cook out at the track or dinner at a local restaurant with these wonderful folks. This is something we always look forward to at each race.

God commands us to “love one another.” 1 John 3:23 says, “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.” We are our brother’s keeper and are placed in specific areas, or callings, to spread the love of Jesus Christ. Jesus didn’t just show His love in the churches, He went out to the people. So we have learned that, no matter where we are, we are going to spread His love through a casual conversation or a cook out.

Each morning during an event all the chaplains come together for a meeting. We discuss chaplain assignments for the day and logistics for the RFC kids program to make sure we have everything covered. The Bible tells us, in 1 Corinthians 14:40, “But everything should

be done in a fitting and orderly way.” One translation says to be done “decently and in order.” Team RFC® is committed to being a blessing and not a hindrance while at the races. At the end of the meeting we close by asking for God’s blessing and praying safety over the day. As soon as we finish I go and pray with NHRA Starter Mike Gittings and crew as they are prepping the track for the first pair of cars. Mike is always eager to start the day with a prayer on the starting line. The other chaplains split up and go, either to the pits, lanes or other various places, to visit with and minister to those at the track.

Our prayer each morning is for God to order our steps and place us where He needs us. It never fails, a fan will come up with a prayer request or a racer will tell one of the Chaplains, “Thank you for being here.” That is what we are called to do, spread the love of Jesus in the world of motorsports.

May God continue to use us all for His glory and may all our racing families stay safe and blessed.


Thank You!When it comes to telling all of our partners in the ministry how much we appreciate them, the words “Thank You” cannot be emphasized enough. We have donors who give at events, through the mail or even online. We also have those who make in-kind donations. Some examples of in-kind donations are hotel rooms, frequent flyer miles and buddy passes, items for our golf tournament and auction, printing, trailers, golf carts, cars, trucks, real estate and much more. We are blessed with each and every gift we receive to help further the ministry of Team RFC® and we want to make sure to tell everyone “Thank You.”

R.E.D. Shirt FridayIn the picture to the right we have RFC Chaplains Rich Trimmer, Jim Jack and (hiding in the background) Mike Griffith wearing their RED Team RFC® Chaplain shirts. Have you ever wondered why our Team RFC® Chaplains wear RED shirts on Friday? RED is the acronym for “Remember Everyone Deployed.” Not only do we pray for the men and women of our armed services, we also

show it by wearing RED, in their honor, on Fridays. RFC has been showing our support with RED Shirt Friday

for over 10 years. We want everyone to know that we love and support our military.

A Moment In Timeby RFC Field Ministry Director Eddie Baugher

There are moments in our lives we can look back upon and see them as pivotal, sometimes even life altering. Some of these moments are good and some of them, well, not so much. Even before I accepted Jesus as the Lord and Savior of my life I can look back and see how God has used many of those moments to prepare me for the season in which I am now living. I just recently turned forty-nine years old and more than likely my life is past the halfway point. I do not know what God has planned for me in the days and years to come, but whatever it is I know His desire is for each of those days to bring glory and honor to Him. I am not perfect, and quite often I seem to miss the mark, but I do strive to take aim and keep focus on the goals God has before me.

I only have a few distant memories of church as a young boy. We did not attend regularly, but I do remember, on occasion, going to church or vacation Bible school. I couldn’t tell you any specific lesson that was ever taught and I can’t remember the names of the people that volunteered their time to teach those lessons. The only thing I really remember is being there. And because I was there a seed was planted. It may have been dormant for many years… but it was there, waiting for someone to water it. Through the years I have come to realize that, for the most part, it doesn’t matter so much the specific words we say or the exact way we go about showing the love of Christ, because most of it will probably be forgotten. The

truly important things are being there and loving people – that is exactly what Jesus did. Phillippians 2:7 NLT tells us, “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being,”. The Son of the Most High God, who was willing to set aside His kingdom, loved us enough to lay down his life, so that we could share in His glory. “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 2:14 NIV.

The mission of Team RFC® is to serve people in the world of motorsports in the name of Jesus Christ through providing fellowship, pastoral care,

evangelism, and service. I am truly blessed to serve as the Field Ministry Director for this wonderful ministry. As I look back

on several key moments in my own life, I can see how God had been preparing me for this journey. From the first time I heard about Team RFC®, at the Darryl Starbird

Rod and Custom Car Show, in Tulsa, OK, until this very day, I knew God was calling me to be a part of this wonderful organization. I am also blessed to have a godly wife who loves me and loves the Lord. Without her support, as we prepared for our move to Arizona, this would not have been possible.

I am looking forward to more moments yet to come. Single moments in the lives of countless individuals in whom God is working; waiting for those seeds of faith, which have been planted, to take root and grow. Our vision is to see the world of motorsports impacted for Jesus, planting and watering those seeds of faith and helping them grow in their relationship with Him.

Team RFC®

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Larry Smiley ............................................. President ..................................................................405-834-4301 Tami Bandimere-Shrader .................... Board ChairJim Jack ..................................................... Operations Consultant........................................602-524-4691Linda Jack ................................................. Administrative Consultant ................................602-617-6727Eddie Baugher ........................................ Field Ministry Director.........................................918-855-4240Julie Thompson ...................................... Business ManagerShelley Boyer ........................................... Office ManagerMark Garland .......................................... Administrative AssistantCraig Garland .......................................... NHRA Series Director ...........................................972-849-2032Dale Ressler ............................................. Northeast Region Director ................................717-587-9540Tom Ratliff ................................................ Southeast Region Director ................................352-267-1795Glenn Kreider .......................................... North Central Region Director .........................618-292-6048Joey Keith ................................................. South Central Region Director .........................918-809-8603Joey Keith ................................................. West Central Region Director ...........................918-809-8603Martin Schulz .......................................... Northwest Region Director ..............................253-307-4062Rich Trimmer ........................................... Southwest Region Director ...............................602-448-6995Steve Hanson .......................................... Dirt Sports Director ..............................................949-705-7873Mike Oginsky .......................................... Rodders Director ...................................................586-994-0294

The Christian MotorsportsInternational, Inc. Family of Ministries

Team RFC® Racers For Christ® • Rodders For Christ® • Restorers For Christ®

Pullers For Christ • Rockcrawlers For Christ • RFC kids1250 E. Baseline Road, Suite 101, Tempe, Arizona 85283-1439 Ph: 480-507-5323 • Fx: 480-507-5393 • www.TeamRFC.org

RACERS FOR CHRIST® MISSION STATEMENT

“To serve people in the world of motorsports in the name of Jesus Christ through providing fellowship,

pastoral care, evangelism, and service.”

RACERS FOR CHRIST® VISION STATEMENT

“To see the world of motorsports impacted for Jesus Christ by individuals entering into a personal relation-

ship with Him and growing in those relationships.”

before and, now knowing she had lost, I was even more impressed by her peaceful spirit!

Shortly after finishing her run she pulled into the shutdown area and stopped her car right beside me. Once again she got out of her car, smiled, and knelt down to pray. This was no five-second prayer – it was quite lengthy! When her parents arrived she got up and from them I learned she had won that round. As they drove away to get ready for round three, I called out to the Lord and asked Him how in the world could He say “No” to this little girl’s prayers. For this young girl, whose name just happened to be Hope, it was her first big race. She was competing against the best junior racers in the country – most of which had 2 more years experience than her. In my "expert" opinion she really didn't have a chance of winning!

Well, so much for my expertise. Round after round she kept coming off the end of the track, praying and winning! When they were getting ready to run the final round I went down to the staging lanes to see Hope race. Both her and her opponent were surrounded by a large number of supporters. When I saw her opponent, I knew it would take a miracle for her to win. Carson, the young boy she was racing, was older and already a National and Divisional Champion. Not only is Carson a great racer, but he is also an awesome kid who loves the Lord and honors Him in all his racing success. For me, personally, it was a no lose situation – two great kids and great families supporting them. I guess as a chaplain I am never supposed to show any partiality between racers. I knew that no matter who won or lost this race they would still honor God and their parents. But I still found my heart rooting for the little underdog Hope. As the tree lights came down we all held our breath. Suddenly I looked up... the tree showed Little Hope as the winner! I stood there amazed. Her opponent, Carson, had left too soon and red-lit, giving the race to Little Hope.

As people cheered and cried I looked up to the Lord and said, "I guess you just couldn't tell that little girl ‘No’!" Round after round she had quietly got out of her car and prayed to the Lord. Truthfully, I never really knew what she was praying to God. Later I went to the winner’s circle to commend Carson for a great race and testimony, even though he didn't win this one. I then went over to congratulate Little Hope on her amazing win. She looked up

at me and said, "Well, I guess our prayers were answered!" I wasn't sure what she meant because I never prayed with her to win, only that she would honor the Lord and her family no matter what. Well, she certainly did exactly that with her tearful acceptance speech thanking Jesus, her parents and all who helped her.

Hope's prayers were answered in ways I understand and in ways I don’t! All day I had called her Little Hope, and that is about all I thought she had, but she and Jesus knew better – Little Hope had big hope! She had the hope of an overcomer!!!

Well, Little Hope has me thinking again, about praying to win the next time I race, and I have come to this conclusion: the Bible says when we pray for something and we have doubt in our heart we should not expect to

receive our request. Therefore I have decided to label all my prayer requests, concerning me winning a race, as Hope. Because Hope, along with Faith and Love, will never fail!

Tom Ratliff began as a volunteer chaplain with Racers For Christ® in 1992. Then, in 2001, he became the Southeast Region Director. He and his wife, Cathy, live in Eustis, FL. They have been married for 32 years and have three kids. It wasn’t until after becoming a chaplain that Tom became a racer. Tom loves his family, he loves racing, he loves the Lord and he loves serving people through RFC. One of the events Tom and Cathy served at this year was the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing Eastern Conference Finals. Above is an amazing story of faith and Hope, which Tom was able to witness firsthand.

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