When Things Break Down: Finding God’s Purpose at the Race Track

God keeps showing up in the strangest places—like a Love’s Gas Station.

We have a confession to make: the car broke down again. On the way to the track this weekend, we had to replace the starter… again. If you have ever been stranded with a trailer full of race gear, a tired family, and a weekend of ministry ahead of you, you know that sinking feeling in your stomach.

But here is the thing we keep learning, over and over, one breakdown and one race weekend at a time: God always has a solution.

The minute the car decided not to start, something happened. A person showed up. A part was available. A door opened that had no business being open. We do not know how to explain it except to say that the same God who parted the Red Sea apparently also has opinions about our starter.

A Thought for the Road: Romans 8:28

There is a verse we keep coming back to on weeks like this one. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

All things. Not just the easy things. Not just the planned things. All things.

The broken-down car. The heat race that did not go the way we hoped. The C main instead of the feature. The exhausted kids. The long drive home in the dark. All of it.

We do not always get to see how God is working in the moment. But we have been doing this long enough now to look back and see His fingerprints everywhere. The breakdown that slowed us down enough to have a conversation we were supposed to have. The tough race that kept Eli humble and hungry. The detour that turned into a divine appointment.

If you are in a season where things keep breaking down—on the track, at home, or in your heart—we just want to remind you: you are not forgotten, and God is not surprised. He is working, even now, even here, even in this.

From the Track This Weekend: Progress Over Perfection

Here is the honest race report: it was not our best weekend on the track.

Eli ran in both the Senior Honda and Light 160 divisions, and the heat races were a grind.

We had to fight our way through the lower mains, and we ended the weekend in the C main. It was not where we wanted to be, but we finished, we learned, and we keep moving forward.

But here is what we always say: we do not measure success by finishes. We measure it by progress over perfection.

While the racing was a battle, the ministry was full. Our girls worked the activity table for two full days straight, and we handed out 80 goodie bags to kids and families across the pits. Eighty. That is 80 families who got something in their hands that pointed them toward Jesus—a devotional, a resource, a little piece of hope tucked inside a bag.

We planted seeds. We built relationships. We showed up. And that is the whole point of our motorsports family ministry.

One Thing We Would Love From You

If this post encouraged you today, would you consider sharing it with a sports family you know?

It is not a big ask. Just one family. Maybe a family that has been grinding through a tough season—on the track, on the field, or off of it—who needs to be reminded that God is working in all things.

That is how this ministry grows. One relationship, one conversation, one shared message at a time.

And if you would like to support what we are doing at the track—the goodie bags, the activity table, the chapel services, the devotionals—you can always give at the link below. Every dollar goes directly to the ministry.

Support Racing & Ministry Here