There’s More To Motorsports

THERE’S MORE TO MOTORSPORTS than cars and motorcycles . . . high-horsepower trucks also zoom around racetracks. The Craftsman Truck Series packs fans into racing venues all over North America. And Rick Crawford’s victory in the 2003 Florida Dodge Dealers 250 showed why so many people are excited about this sport.

With average speeds exceeding 127 mph at the Daytona International Speedway, Robert Pressley appeared to have claimed the victory when he passed Crawford in the final lap. But Crawford stayed on Pressley’s bumper and caught him in the last turn. Pressley went high to block, so Crawford went low. At the same time, Travis Kvapil pulled next to the two other trucks and it became a three-way race to the finish line. Every driver pushed his truck to the max as the vehicles cruised inches away from each other.

Crawford proved to have a little extra under the hood as he passed the checkered flag first—just .027 seconds ahead of Kvapil. Pressley settled for third. For Crawford, it was his first victory in five years and his only one during the 2003 season.

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POINT Rick Crawford hadn’t finished first in 120 consecutive races. When Robert Pressley passed him with just two turns to go, he could’ve easily given up hope. But Crawford knew his truck was running well and believed he was a good driver. He stuck with Pressley and beat him at the finish.

As Christians we have certain beliefs that we need to stand up for as well: God created the world; Jesus died for our sins; Jesus is God’s Son. The list could go on and on. When these beliefs are challenged, we should show courage and stand up. If we do, God will give us victory in the end.

GOAL! What are some things you believe? Write them down.