Racing With Jesus – New Hampshire

Meeting the Challenge

Heading into the race at New Hampshire, the team is faced with overcoming fresh obstacles. As a result of the engine problems of the past weeks, the team has dropped out of the top 30 list and was no longer guaranteed a starting spot in the race.

During practice, Morgan Shepherd was consistently running in 25th – 28th place.

As qualifying began, one of the teams crashed, leaving the door open for the #89 to basically just turn in a lap to start the race. No need to push the limit.

Images courtesy of the Hotlap

Going into the race, there were doubts if the #89 would run the entire race. A little over midway through the race, it began to appear the team was committed to a full run.

As a sidenote, the #89 ran most of the race averaging a little over 1 second off the leader’s pace. This small amount of difference in lap time can best be summed up by the realization that an unsponsored team was holding its own against some of the top-funded teams in the sport.

Maintaining this pace, Morgan Shepherd drove the #89 Racing With Jesus Dodge Charger to a solid 25th place finish as Tony Stewart recorded another win for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Next Up – DAYTONA

Anticipation is already starting to build for the upcoming race at Daytona this week.

Based on the outstanding performance of the team’s effort at Talladega earlier this year, hopes are high that the superspeedway car and Morgan can repeat that sterling performance.

Sponsorship Inspiration

From Jeff Parnell’s series at Christian Business Daily, we get this unique news of inspired sponsorship:

T.C. Robinson is young man who resides in Virginia. He is a knowledgeable race fan and has followed Morgan and Faith Motorsports for a number of years. Several months ago, he asked how he could support the team financially. When individuals—as opposed to traditional sponsors—ask how they can further our mission, I discuss the Morgan Shepherd Charitable Fund, which focuses its efforts on rural southwestern Virginia. T.C. was also aware of Victory in Jesus Racing Ministries, which provides trackside appearances, speaking engagements at churches, and Bible School events, while also offering other race-day ministries geared toward NASCAR fans and their families. This ministry, however, does not financially support the race team, and Robinson’s objective was to support the actual race effort. T.C. also appreciates the opportunity to serve as an example of sorts:

“I’m issuing an open challenge to Christian businesses worldwide. If one fan is willing to sow seeds to further this mission and help purchase tires for the team, where are the Christian CEO’s?” Strong words, certainly, and not intended to offend those who read this column or see this quote posted elsewhere, but I hear the same question from non-Christians almost weekly when they learn of our what we’re working to accomplish.

and this, too:

Another heart was moving up in Milwaukee when Jim Ligina, who owns a commercial plumbing business called Ligina Plumbing, sent an e-mail offering to assist the team with tires, food, and bottled water. He and a guest enjoyed an afternoon of seeing the team’s dedication and commitment firsthand, and his rationale for coming onboard is encouraging:

“We have a great deal to be thankful for—good employees and terrific customers are key—and have been blessed through a tough business climate in our area over the last number of years. The one thing that has always amazed us is how FAITHFUL God has been in meeting our needs when we trust him for everything I mean everything. As we have followed Faith Motorsports and Morgan Shepherd, I recognized it was our turn to support the team at the Milwaukee Mile.”

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You can follow the inspiring story of this team and read more about Morgan Shepherd and Racing with Jesus at the team’s website – www.racewithfaith.com. In addition to the team’s site, Jeff Parnell of KingdomWinners.com is writing a weekly blog of the team’s exploits at Christian Business Daily.

Read more of this inspiring story

….. to be continued…..