"Remembering"

At the Monterey Historic races this year Dan Gurney was the very, very special guest of honor. His impact on the American and worldwide racing scene as a driver and constructor has been enormous. Reading the list of his cars is like a chart of the history of racing in the 1960's through the early 1990's. The 1962 Porsche that Dan drove to the first ever Grand Prix win for the illustrious marque was present. Lotus-Ford came to Indy where it dominated at Gurney’s urging and one was in appearance at Monterey. In 1967, Gurney won Le Mans with AJ Foyt in a stunning Ford MK IV that marked the only All American victory. The Henry Ford Museum in Detroit sent it West. No day remembering Daniel Sexton Gurney’s victories would be complete without the All American Eagle that he drove to the only F1 win for an American driver and constructor and the Gurney Westlake V 12 screamed through the Monterey hills. 

1970 saw the greatest year of the Trans Am series and as Dan moving away from driving the AAR Cuda in all its dark blue nastiness was spawned. It was loud and proud in Cali. In the early 1970’s the Indy Eagle went faster, then faster, then faster still and several graced the peninsula including the light blue Jorgensen Eagle that Bobby Unser drove to Gurney’s team’s 1975 victory at the 500.  The latest Eagles in attendance were the IMSA Toyota Eagles that won 17 straight races in the early 1990's.

But it is the memories of Dan’s races, whether experienced in person, on television or just through stories and pictures in a magazine that really stir the soul. Gurney and his Eagles and other race cars become sign posts pointing to the glory of their times.

God sends us signposts of who he is. From the beauty of a blue, orange, and mauve sunset to the stories of the Passover and the Cross, they point to His, the ultimate Glory. Our God is an Awesome God!

Chaplain Marvin Gray
Chapnlrc@aol.com

Driving Days in the UK
Tragic Day at Nelson

Are you old enough to remember the dread you prior to taking your driver’s test? You know, that deep, deep pit in your stomach at the thought of having to parallel park. Be glad you don’t live in the UK! I think parallel parking is a national sport. Who will be the first to take the spot that leaves only one measly inch in front and back without even grazing the two hatchbacks that so incredibly generously left soooo much space between? And they do it while driving on the wrong side. I guess that’s right, they are used to that. But remember the bad ride in front may actually be a Ferrari or Aston and rearward a Maserati or Audi R8. I once again saw each and every one parked on the street, sometimes right in a row.

On the spectacularly beautiful Gower Peninsula near Swansea, Wales, I had a chance to ride with my son’s girlfriend Rachael in her nearly new Fiat 500. It’s a well made, spriteful little piece that she loves and serves well on roads only an ant could love. You could euphemistically call them one lane wide. If one has the audacity to come the other way, someone is going to be backing up a long, long, long, way. An ancient Norman Castle, mile wide salt marshes with wild horses scurrying in the distance and ocean shore scenes that make a postcard jealous made it worth the adventure of the ride.

Before our trip to the United Kingdom, we suffered the loss of CSR driver John Metzger at Nelson due to injuries from an accident in turn 13. We all feel in our spirit that this is not the way it’s supposed to be. When Jesus spoke about a group who died when a tower fell on them, He gave no explanation why. We would do well to heed His answer “Turn to God.”
 

Chaplain Marvin Gray
Chapnlrc@aol.com

It's that time of year again! We are now signing up teams for the 9th Annual Petit Petit Kart Event.

You won't want to miss out on this event! Each year brings new, unexpected thrills that keeps the paddock buzzing the rest of the race week. Come out to Dennis Spencer's private indoor kart track Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 6:00pm for a night filled with fun & adventure to help support Motorsports Ministries. All proceeds will go to help bring a chaplain to each motorsports event.

Even if you are not part of a team, you can still come out to cheer on the drivers AND purchase "Joy Laps" which will get you on the track during the race! A great way to still participate in the festivities of the night.

                               Visit our Special Events page for more details and sign up online today!!!