December 8, 2006

           

            I am sorry I didn’t get to see very many of my friends in dirt racing this year. While I love dirt track racing, God had other plans for me and Cyndi this year and for the near future.

 

 

            Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”  For now anyway, our time in weekly dirt racing is done. He has moved us into asphalt racing at Lake Erie Speedway in Pennsylvania.

 

 

            This season truly was a season of learning as far as officiating and running a show through. For most of the season I drove the pace car while Cyndi worked in the tower. The last two races and for the2007 season, I’m also in the tower. “To everything there is a season.” Some seasons are shorter than others.

 

 

            LES is a beautiful facility- top of the line. Throughout the season I have gotten acquainted with the officials and some of the drivers. There’s nothing different there. As in dirt, they love the sport and enjoy doing what they’re doing. Next year my hope is that I’ll be able to do some interviews with LES drivers and introduce them to you. Some will be new and some are familiar names from dirt.

 

 

            2006 seems to be a year of changes. Two of the best racing officials have retired.  I am speaking of Greg and Steve Wheeling. It was my privilege to work with them at Raceway 7. Steve taught me how to officiate and drive a pace car. The racing community will have a hole in it now that they’re gone, but I understand. Priorities change and sometimes you just need a rest. May God bless them and their families as they begin another season in their lives.

 

 

            I have been following all that is going on in dirt and it’s clear that a new season is dawning for dirt track racing. Several tracks are replacing Super Late Models with crate lates. I certainly hope that SLM’s are not going to be a thing of the past. But I am afraid that if the area tracks keep cutting them from their weekly racing, this class will disappear. Most teams can not travel with MACS or WoO on a regular basis and the only way we’ll be able to enjoy the display of power and excitement is to go see a special event. I hope I am wrong and we’ll just have to wait and see, but this most definitely will change the face of racing in this area.

 

 

            Life is always changing, that’s a given. How you deal with those changes is up to you. You can “trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5) or you can run it yourself. I choose option 1 because God sees the beginning from the end. If something doesn’t look right to me, He knows what He’s doing and how it will turn out. I used to try and run my life and I ran it into the ground. I almost lost everything. Only when I turned it over to Christ did things start to go right.

 

 

            Cyndi and I have missed our friends and want to wish them and those we haven’t met a wonderful Christmas and a blessed new year. I know we are all busy, but try to take a little time each day and thank God for all He has done for you. Thank Him for your family, health, finances, a roof over your head, freedom and most of all for His Son Jesus. If He didn’t come to earth and die, we’d have no way to heaven.

 

 

            I thank God for allowing me to be involved in a sport that I love so much  and that I am able to serve Him.

 

 

            God bless and have a safe and blessed holiday season. See ya next year- God willing.

 

 

Pastor Dave
 

 

November 26, 2005

Looking back on this past year, the world seems to be a frightening place to live. Starting with last year’s major quake and tsunami, then more major earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, sky rocketing energy prices, terrorism and everything else, life is changing at break neck speeds. The Bible foretold of all this thousands of years ago and it hasn’t caught God off guard.

 

            The Bible also says that, “in the last days, perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, with out self control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” 2 Timothy 3:1-4. If that doesn’t describe our society and the world today, I don’t know what does. There are still good, caring, descent people, but the people that I just described are becoming more the norm.

 

            Do we just give up and give in? Absolutely not! As we approach the time that we celebrate and give honor to the birth of Christ, it is a good time to reflect on WHY we have Christmas. No matter what the minority of the population says, we would not have Christmas without the birth of Christ. God loved mankind so much; He became flesh, was born poor and gave Himself up to death to be the one and only final sacrifice for sin. Peace, joy and love are all attributes of God and some of what He offers to those who believe and trust in Him.

 

            The first Christmas gift was Jesus Christ himself. All others pale in comparison. During the frenzy of shopping, baking and decorating please take some time to read the Christmas story in Luke. Remember what God did for you and that Jesus is still the most perfect gift, even 2000+ years later.

 

            Cyndi and I would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. With all that has happened over the past year, I am sure there will be changes in the racing community and our ministry. That being said, know that you are never far from our thoughts and prayers.

 

God bless you,

Pastor Dave

 

July 9, 2004

The 2004 race season has been good to the 21*  Semi-Late Model.  During the past 10 years of his racing career, Bill Henry has always seemed to have something happen that kept him from victory lane. Either he didn’t have enough motor, had a wrong set up or a wrecked car. The talent was there, but things needed to come together. And come together they have. Bill has been in victory lane several times this season. His most memorable moment is of his first feature win. He credits and thanks his crew chief Tim Glass, his mom and step-dad Larry for their hard work and support.

            Bill’s future plans include moving back up to the Late Model division and getting “a better motor and try to run with the big ones.”   

            He owns and operates Borderline Towing and Recovery out of Conneautville , Pa. That’s where he makes his home with his wife Tara, daughters Marissa and  McKayla, and son, Devin.

            Keep an eye out for Bill at Raceway 7 in Conneaut , Ohio . You’ll be impressed.

            Sometimes in life, things look like there is no way you will reach your goal. I know Bill and his family have had their fair share of problems. But they never gave up. They had a lot of people praying for them.         

            Problems aren’t always bad. They can be a teaching tool that God uses to get our attention or to grow us. We all have to pay our dues, so to speak. But if you’ve asked Jesus Christ into your life, problems will turn into blessings for your life. Just stay with it, don’t quit! There is nothing God can’t fix. In Hebrews 13:5 God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Give all your problems to Him and you will have victory every day.

            (photo by Feature Photography)

 

April 30, 2004

November 21, 2003

 

March 22, 2003

Until recently it seemed as though the start of the race season would be run in the snow. Finally, warmer temperatures have moved in and the white stuff is melting away.

 Every season starts with uncertainties, however this one has more than its fair share. The cost of racing fuel and gasoline keeps climbing, sponsorships are declining for some and war directly touches other teams. As most everyone knows, Raceway 7 is implementing a new scoring system. Hopefully this will speed up the night as far as line-ups and put an end to disputes over finishes. As various facilities finalize their schedules, race fans everywhere are saying, “let’s just get going.” Over the long winter, I have heard from a few of you and I look forward to seeing you all again.

 Please keep our country, leaders and our service men and women in your prayers. Whether you agree with it or not, we are in it and all need our prayers. I Tim 2:2-3 tells us to pray for “all men, kings and all who are in authority.” I know this war reaches almost everyone in and out of the racing community. Let us pray for protection and a quick end to the fighting. 2003 will definitely be different than any other.

God bless and see ya soon.

Pastor Dave

December 25, 2002

When speaking of Easter and Christmas, I have heard it said, “Why do you Christians put your religion in our holidays?” While these holidays have pagan traditions attached to them, they were established as a remembrance and celebration of how much God loves us.

            Over 2000 years ago God came to earth in human form and experienced life as we do. If you were to read the Old Testament and the requirements for holiness in the form of daily sacrifices, you would see how impossible it is to stay ahead of our sinfulness. Jesus was born to die. He is the perfect sacrifice once and for all for everyone. Not only that, He is coming back to earth. Only this time He won’t come as a helpless baby and Lamb to the slaughter. This time he’ll be back as conquering king – wiping out forever all evil of any kind.

            Now that’s a reason to celebrate! Especially in these times when the whole world seems to be teetering on the brink of war. Jesus brings peace- peace within. No matter what is happening, He’ll calm your spirit if you just let Him in.

            Although we don’t know the exact day Jesus was born, we choose to celebrate it now. The date doesn’t matter, it’s the fact that we stop and remember how much God loves us. That He came here to save us from ourselves.

            “For unto you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.”

            Cyndi and I want to take this time to wish you all a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy 2003. God willing, we’ll see all our friends at the tracks very soon.

 

August 15, 2002: 

A couple of weeks ago I made my first visit to Lancaster Motorsports Park in Lancaster, New York. Usually my wife Cyndi goes with me wherever I go, but this time she stayed home to hold down the fort. Raceway Magazine’s Jay Pees and I went on this particular night.

 Lancaster regularly runs a variety of divisions from Pure Stocks, Modifieds and Late Models to TQ Midgets. All classes put on a great show.

 This night I paid attention to the TQ, or ¾ Midgets. They might be small but they will keep you on the edge of your seat. The action was fast with bumper-to-bumper racing and a lot of passing.  Once in awhile there was a spin out or two, but I’ll tell you the drivers are aggressive and they put on a great race. If you get a chance to see a TQ show, I strongly suggest that you go. You won’t be bored. 

This wasn’t Jay’s first visit to Lancaster or with the TQs so he introduced me to the TQ promoter Harry Macy and his wife Gloria. He is very professional, knows how to run a race and yet still has time to talk to you. Harry introduced me to Dennis Hastert the Race Director for the TQs. His job is to coordinate the race and is right on top of things. The show was worth the ride to Lancaster and I plan on being around these cars a lot more.

 My wife and I travel to different tracks because we love racing, but that is secondary. Our first priority is to let people know that God loves and cares about them no matter where they are at. John 3:16 says, “ For God so loved that world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” He cared about us even when we didn’t care or think too much about Him.

 If you see us at a track, stop us and say hi. We’d love to meet you.

 God bless and see ya at the track

Pastor Dave

  

August 9, 2002: Conneaut, Ohio’s Bill Watson pilots the #214 Biscotti’s Restaurant, Park Ohio, Hoover Racing Late Model. He started his racing career 13 years ago in the Street Stock division, and then moved up to Limited Late. Once that got a bit more expensive than was comfortable, he started running an E-Mod. Now he is in his rookie year in the top division.

            When asked about his most memorable race, he says that there were a lot. But if he had to choose, his most favorite was a Skoal Shootout race at Buckeye Speedway. Running a close second was when he went to the Iowa IMCA Nationals. He won his feature and made the show, although he didn’t win the National race. But it was a thrill anyhow.

            Bill’s long-range goals have changed over the years. When he was younger he wanted to go as far as he could. But after becoming a dad, things changed. Money and time were diverted in different directions, priorities changed. Now Bill just goes from week to week, happy to compete at Raceway 7. He tries to keep it fun as he goes.

            I asked him who his all time favorite driver is. Without hesitation he said that he has been a long time fan of the late Dale Earnhardt. Remembering him way back when.

As far as dirt track drivers go, he fondly remembers Dick Tobias and Bob Wearing, among many. He is quick to add that he has always been a fan and supporter of his family-Jim, Ron, and his dad, Bud Watson.

            I also understand that his son races go-carts. Could there be a third generation at Raceway 7?

            You can watch Bill and the 214 machine every Friday night At Raceway 7 in Conneaut, Ohio.

July 9, 2002: Pat Gorton is one of the few woman drivers at Raceway 7. She is from North East, Pennsylvania and has been racing for 9 years, all of which have been in the Street Stock division. In 1997 she was Stateline Speedway’s Lady Spectator Class champion. The Stateline/Eriez Speedways did away with that class and she started competing against the men. In 2000 she won the Stateline Speedway and Eriez Speedway Spectator Class Championships as well as the overall S/E circuit championship.

            Her most memorable win was the first championship race she ever won. The car handled poorly and yet she still won the Yaples Vacuum Spectator Championship race.

            Her car is the 12G and is sponsored by: Gorton’s Auto Service, Craig’s Service, Kelly Tire, A. Craig Trucking, Johnson’s Gearing, Cornwell Tools, Sanders Jubilee, Duck Pond Farm, North East Auto, Stetson’s Auto Sales, St. Joe’s Club, Hunt’s Service Center, North East Athletic Club, Simmer Sign and Graphics, Shingler Construction, Niagara Windows and Siding, Heise Rebuilding, D.J. For Les, George-n-Rose, New Harvest Restaurant and Pub, and The Prep Shop.

            In the future, she would occasionally like to do a little traveling to some other tracks. In the back of her mind, she’s thinking that something different might be good. That something different could be asphalt racing at the new Lake Erie Speedway.

            Wherever she is, her family will go with her. They are her biggest supporters. Her husband, daughter and her daughter’s fiancé are her pit crew along with Joel Otis, Bob Williamson, Bob Kennedy, Steve Rhumberger and whoever else comes along and wants to lend a hand.

            Don’t let Pat’s petite appearance fool you. She is very competitive and very capable. Pat can be seen every Friday night at Raceway 7 in Conneaut, Ohio.

June 26, 2002: Race fans go to the track every week to be a part of the action and to watch their favorite driver(s) compete. Some of those fans know how many years the driver has been racing, how many wins he/she has under their belt, what divisions and type of racing they have been involved in, etc. But how many know all that goes on behind the scenes to make a race a reality?

            From the tower, to the pits, out on the track and along the midway, I will introduce you to some of the people at Raceway 7 that make up the entire race experience.

 

                  This is Steve Wheeling. He makes his home in Franklin, Pennsylvania with his wife of 17 years, Dawn and daughters Whitney and Leah.

            Friday nights you will find him at Conneaut, Ohio’s Raceway 7 lining up the cars on the backstretch. On Sundays he is assisting the flagman at Tri City Speedway in Franklin. In addition to being a regular at these two tracks, he fills in at Mercer Speedway whenever and wherever they need him. As if that’s not enough to occupy a guy’s weekend, he flags at Double A Speedway, a go cart track near his hometown.                     

            Racing has always been a part of his life. Steve has attended racing events since he was six months old. His dad, who has been racing since 1956, still runs in the Pittsburgh Circle Track Senior Series.

            I asked Steve if he ever raced. He ran go-carts for a couple of years and had a lot of fun doing it, but as with any motor sport- it took a lot of money to compete. After he got married and started a family, Steve decided it was best to “direct his finances toward the family and not the racing stuff.”

            His officiating career started out in go carting and then made the natural progression toward the “big cars”. In total he has been an official for close to 23 years. He took a year off, but when Tri City Speedway re-opened, he dove back in.

            When asked what his long-term goals are, he thinks he’ll official a few more years and then maybe just become a race fan.

            No matter what he does, you can be sure that Steve Wheeling will be involved in racing in one form or another.