An Outreach of Motorsports Ministries
By: Jennifer Anderson

A Day at the Races. To most this would mean  spending $40-$80 on a weekend pass to get into the track, then on to buy one of those enticing polish dogs for $3.75, not including the drink. As the roar of engines begin, most would look for the nearest wooden bench seating available to watch the start of a race. With cars in the distance, squinting through binoculars with the hope of seeing their favorite driver walk by, they could only wish to experience more.

Our Light  Racing program has taken the racing experience to another level. To those teenagers who have gone through the program, they have left with an up close and personal look at racing; signed T-Shirts, hats, posters and hero cards by the drivers themselves. They have sat buckled into racecars, and have had an opportunity to ask the curious questions they've always had about racing and cars. Most importantly, by the end of the day they have heard the message of truth spoken into their lives. To most, coming to the track is a dream come true, something that would never happen to them. But it did!

Light Racing is an outreach arm of Motorsports Ministries focused on teens, with special efforts to help at-risk teenagers. With the help of all the supporters of the ministry, we have been able to reach over 600 young people through this program. This year,  Motorsports Ministries has been able to bring a group of teenagers to most racing events. The groups have been to Sebring, Phoenix, Birmingham, Sears Point, twice at Rd. Atlanta, and Laguna Seca. This 2004 season, Light  Racing has had the opportunity to reach out to 120 teenagers. What a blessing it has been to see each smiling face as they experience racing a little more.

To sum up the season we have had with Light Racing, it would be a year of growth. The interaction with drivers has been exceptional, cooperation with each series has been outstanding, and each group we bring gives new enthusiasm to the program. This has been my fifth season working with the Light Racing program and I have had the privilege of traveling to most American Le Mans race this season to coordinate the day and all it entails. I guide each group around the track, introducing them to the different drivers and teams who get a chance to share with them. During the heat of the day, a break is taken after admiring the exotic cars, and it is off to hospitality for a cold drink. Many thanks have been  given to the different teams and hospitalities for their generosity. Speed World Challenge, Team Bucknum, and Jon Field's Intersport team to name a few. Each group is always truly thankful for each cold drink, or at  times a meal, given to them.

I have received many thank you letters from groups expressing their gratitude for all Motorsports Ministries had done for them. What an encouragement it is for me, knowing we can make  a difference in the world of motorsports

We are looking forward to next year being even more effective. Light Racing will have a group at most American Le Mans and Grand American series races. Our goal is to have  more opportunities to organize school assemblies and coordinate youth rallies during racing events. We want to be able to reach out in other venues besides the racetrack. Many prayers will be needed as we look towards the year 2005 and all it holds. God has used us mightily this year and we want to continue that into next year. Motorsports Ministries has been given much favor in many areas and we are humbled by that. As servants of  our Lord, we want to honor what we have been given and be good stewards. I trust we will continue to do so in yet another year full of unknown excitement!