Fall 2026 Racers For Christ Update
Shining His Light
Executive Director Eddie Baugher
One of My Best Yeses
RFC Board Member Tami Bandimere
VBS at the Track: Seeds Planted through Relationship
Chaplain Liz Abbott
Wherever Two or More are Gathered
Chaplain Joey Keith
Good from Evil at Bristol
RFC Board Member Steve Earwood
RFC FUNdraisers
Photos from the Field
Shining His Light
Executive Director Eddie Baugher
Serving as the series chaplains for the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is an honor for my wife Kelly and me. We drive nearly 25,000 miles in our motorhome each year, coast to coast and back again, traveling alongside the race teams as we make our way from one event to the next. Along the way, we experience life with them. Some days are exciting and rewarding, others are difficult and heartbreaking, and sometimes it all happens within a single day.
One of our greatest privileges is praying with drivers before they make a run. We also lead chapel services on Sunday mornings before the first round of eliminations, and I have the honor of giving the invocation at opening ceremonies, just before the National Anthem and the first pair of racecars are fired up.
One of my favorite things to do is visit several of the race teams after Sunday chapel. These teams have invited me to stop by, share a few words of encouragement, and pray with them as they prepare for what they hope will be a long, successful day of racing.
Recently, I received a message from the mother of one of the crew members after she saw us pray with her son’s team. She wrote: “Sunday, I witnessed something that brought tears to my eyes. My son has been on a [race] team for 3 years, and we attend as many races as possible … When you came into [their] pit to pray with the guys, I noticed my son finally joined in prayer. [Someone] let me know that he has been joining the prayer. I’m not sure what you said, but he told me that somehow you find a way to tie it all together. Thank you!!!”
Her message just about brought me to tears, as well.
Kelly and I love the teams and all the men and women who make up this incredible racing community—the drivers, crew members, hospitality staff, production crew, and the NHRA Safety Safari. They’ve truly become family to us, and our desire is simply to love them well and share God’s love. We never force our beliefs on anyone, but we’re always available to listen, encourage, pray when invited, and love unconditionally.
Having the opportunity to shine the light of Christ in the racing world is one of the greatest honors we could ever have as ambassadors for Jesus. We don’t do any of this to be seen, but when someone notices the love of Christ in a simple conversation or a prayer—and we catch a glimpse of God at work in their life—it reminds us why He’s called us here.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world … let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16). And it’s not just Kelly and me shining His light. More than 350 RFC chaplains, ministry assistants, and staff faithfully serve in motorsports across North America and Australia. Week after week, they’re investing in the lives of racers, rodders, crews, families, and fans, sharing the hope of Christ wherever God opens the door. We’re grateful for each of them and for the faithful ministry partners—people like you—whose prayers and gifts are vital in keeping the ministry alive and growing.
One of My Best Yeses
RFC Board Member Tami Bandimere
If I’m truly honest, even though I grew up in a car-loving family, I never had driving Route 66 on my bucket list. Ever. I absolutely loved the Pixar “Cars” movie, and I’ve been on the Radiator Springs Racers ride in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park. But it never occurred to me to drive the real Route 66. Maybe it’s because I’m more of an airplane girl – you know, get there in the shortest amount of time possible. So, when Eddie approached me with the idea of doing a Route 66 fundraiser for Racers For Christ, I figured if he was willing to do the work to make it happen, I would support it. The 100th anniversary of Route 66 is this year, and his enthusiasm about it was infectious…and who doesn’t want to be part of something that sounds exciting?
Over the next several months, Eddie went to work and put together a 10-day route that began on March 25th in Chicago and ended at the Santa Monica Pier in California. He included hotel/motel options for those joining the ride, and I spent an entire afternoon making room reservations at places I had never heard of! In fact, I didn’t even know who I’d be riding with on the trip, since I didn’t plan to drive it myself and would instead ride shotgun with someone else. As it turned out, former board member Chip Rumis invited me to ride with him in his Corvette. Because the Bandimere family has deep roots in Chevrolets, I figured I was honoring my family while enjoying a very cool ride!
Meanwhile, my daughter was due to give birth to her first baby in Atlanta in mid-March, and I wasn’t sure how that would affect my plans. As it turned out, I missed the first part of the trip but joined the group in Albuquerque and finished it with them. And what an amazing experience it was! Driving along a road that had once been a major motorway with flourishing commerce – motels, grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and more – but was now lined with abandoned buildings, broken signs, weeded parking lots, tattered curtains blowing out of broken windows, and graffiti everywhere – was heartbreaking.
At our first stop, I expressed my sadness to the group. Fellow board member Steve Earwood said he actually enjoyed the drive because the buildings still stood and hadn’t been demolished. He said he could imagine the stories those towns held from a vibrant time when travelers passed through. From that point on, I looked at it from Steve’s perspective and enjoyed the adventure as we moved closer to California.
Tami with Kelly Baugher chillin’ at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, AZ
Tami & Chip in his Corvette are “such a fine sight to see!”
From the people we met and our group’s conversations to the places we stopped for souvenirs, sightseeing, and/or food (including healthy doses of ice cream!), I knew that missing this trip would’ve been a regret for me. The stories those of us who made all or part of the ride could tell would fill the pages of this entire newsletter and more! Sharing with folks about RFC, we prayed with strangers we met along the way and even cried with some as they shared their stories with us, because they knew our group was different by the way we talked, acted, and treated each other.
Was it fun? Yes! Was Jesus glorified? Yes! Was it a successful fundraiser for RFC? Yes! Would I do it again? Yes! Do I recommend you join us for our 2027 Road Trip America? Yes! Why? Because it was one of my BEST yeses!
VBS at the Track: Seeds Planted through Relationship
Chaplain Liz Abbott
RFC Kids was blessed to host Vacation Bible School during this year’s Western Conference Finals at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis in June. While the lessons, crafts, and activities were a meaningful part of the week, some of the most impactful ministry happened through the conversations and connections that unfolded along the way. God provided many opportunities to build relationships, encourage families, and share His truth both during and between sessions. Here are some highlights:
God’s Perfect Plan
When Chaplain Joey gave his midweek lesson on David and Goliath, I could see the Lord orchestrating something special. Joey did not know the VBS lesson plans, yet his message aligned perfectly with what I was teaching that day! His points on preparation, courage, faith, and giving God the glory in victory reflected not only the day’s lesson but also the heart of VBS as a whole. It was a sweet confirmation of God’s divine planning and a reminder of what can happen when we are willing to say yes to the vision He places before us.
A Testimony of Faithfulness
Just before the first session, Chaplain Deanna learned that her mom had passed away. Though heartbroken, she carried a calm peace, knowing her mom was with Jesus. Even in the midst of grief, Deanna chose to stay and pour her love, presence, and teaching into the kids. Her faithfulness was a beautiful picture of serving from a place of trust, even when your own heart is hurting.
Interactive Lessons That Brought Scripture to Life
The kids loved “defeating giants” with beanbags during the David and Goliath lesson. They also designed wooden racecars as a reminder that God created each of us differently and for a purpose, just as racecars are built for different kinds of racing. Another favorite was a pedal car race that emphasized cheering for teammates, showing bravery, practicing patience, and uplifting others rather than focusing only on winning. Prizes were awarded for those character qualities, and the kids’ responses during the lessons were thoughtful, sweet, and encouraging.
Stories of Spiritual Growth
Madison, a young gal who had helped us set up last year, came through the door excited to see us. Within minutes, she was sharing how her faith has grown over the past year, including a recent baptism she chose for herself. Although she had been baptized as a child, this decision meant so much more to her.
The next morning, Madison returned with questions about Jesus’ words in Matthew 7 on not judging others. We had a meaningful conversation, and it made my heart so happy to hear her reason through Scripture and desire to understand God’s Word more deeply.
Young People Stepping Up to Serve
Cash returned after VBS one day just to talk and help clean up. Brooke was still racing but eagerly wanted to serve; as soon as she was out of the race, she came and kindly helped with the little kids. Giving them opportunities to pitch in is a great way to involve kids who may feel “too cool” or too old for RFC Kids but still want to be part of what God is doing.
Continued Family Connections
The “Smith” family returned and brought Thomas to VBS. When I walked over and said, “Hi, Thomas!” he was amazed that I remembered him from last year. His mom also remembered our conversations about attending church. They still are not attending, but she shared that she feels convicted to go. They‘re a sweet racing family, and we were able to continue talking with them in the lanes throughout the week.
Junior Racers Who Kept Coming Back
Near the end of each session, Abigail, Luke, Noah, and Cash came back for different reasons. One day it was the craft, another day they had all lost their races, and another day they were hot and bored. Whatever the reason, they returned asking to do something, learn something, or simply spend time with us. Their interest opened the door to meaningful conversations about salvation, faith, and baptism.
Looking back on the week, the lessons mattered deeply. The crafts, games, Scripture, and activities helped create connections and teach biblical truth in ways the kids could understand and remember. But the in-between moments were a powerful reminder of why this ministry matters so much. VBS gives us structure, but relationships give us the opportunity to speak Jesus into hearts. The lessons plant seeds, and personal conversations often help water them.
Wherever Two or More are Gathered
Chaplain Joey Keith
In May of 2020, I received a note asking if I would be willing to lead a Zoom Bible study for a few racers in Texas whose church was closed because of COVID. At the time, I had no idea what God would do with that simple request.
Meeting on most Wednesday evenings, we recently celebrated our sixth anniversary! What began as a small group of three or four has grown to 20–25 people who regularly join us from Texas, Indiana, Louisiana, Kansas, and Iowa.
Over the years, we’ve walked through the Bible together, verse by verse. We’ve journeyed through Holy Week, meeting daily as we prepared our hearts for Resurrection Sunday. We’ve celebrated the Advent season, focusing on the coming of Christ.
Somewhere along the way, we became much more than a group of people meeting on a screen. What began when church doors were temporarily closed has grown into a community that God has continued to use for more than six years. We’ve shared great laughs during our online gatherings and shed quite a few tears. We’ve prayed for one another, encouraged one another, and walked alongside each other through life’s joys and some of its hardest moments. And through it all, the greatest blessing hasn’t simply been how much we’ve learned about the Bible – it’s been how much we’ve grown, together, in our relationships with Jesus.
It’s amazing to look back and realize what God can do with a simple invitation, a few willing people, and a desire to open His Word together.
Good from Evil at Bristol
RFC Board Member Steve Earwood
Your RFC team members, ready to serve!
I was privileged to attend the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals at Bristol Dragway (TN) during the week of July 13th. This weeklong event brings together nearly 600 young racers and their families, serving as an important stepping stone for the future of our sport.
Racers For Christ had a strong presence under the leadership of Southeast Region Director Tom Ratliff, Northeast Region Director Kevin Cooke, Assistant Southeast Region Director Scott Griffith, and a dedicated team of chaplains and ministry assistants.
Board Member & Chaplain Liz Abbott once again led the RFC Kids Vacation Bible School, assisted by seven other team volunteers. Held twice daily throughout the week, VBS welcomed more than 150 children. Bristol Dragway manager Jimmy Owen made one of the track’s VIP suites available, and the RFC staff transformed it into a colorful, inviting space for children to learn from God’s Word. Liz and her team not only taught our young people the Scriptures but also delivered a powerful lesson to everyone in attendance on living out one’s faith.
On Wednesday morning, the VBS crew arrived to find the suite had been vandalized overnight. Balloons were popped, signs were torn down, and the room was left in general disarray. Without complaint, they cleaned up the damage, replaced what they could, and carried on with the ministry as planned.
News of the incident spread. Many in attendance at the Dragway were troubled—and, quite frankly, angry—that something like this could happen at what had otherwise been such a wholesome family event. A $100 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible was put forth, and additional donations quickly increased the amount.
But Tom, in his calming manner, sought to cool the situation, making it clear that RFC wouldn’t pursue prosecutions. In representing the Savior, our ministry proclaims forgiveness and repentance—not vengeance. As Ephesians 4:32 reminds us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.“
Eventually, a mischievous child’s parent came forward, leading to more than 20 young people admitting their involvement. Their parents required each of them to apologize personally to Liz and the ministry.
And that’s where good emerged from evil.
Instead of being used for punishment, the reward money was donated to RFC, coming within just $50 of covering the year’s “Ready…Set…GOD!” VBS curriculum, an outreach costing more than $3,000. Even more encouraging, the attention surrounding the incident led several families who hadn’t previously known that VBS was being offered to bring their kids to attend.
Sometimes God brings blessings from circumstances we would never choose. What began as an act of vandalism became a testament to forgiveness, generosity, and the quiet faithfulness of people determined to respond to evil with grace rather than revenge.
What a wonderful reminder of the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 8:28: “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.“
Chaplain Liz has her hands full!
FUNdraisers
HIT THE OPEN ROAD WITH US! This year’s inaugural Route 66 cruise was such a hit, we’ve decided to make Road Trip America an annual event! Plans are underway for our 2027 adventure with a new route—different states, new roads, new sights, and new friends along the way.
We’ll begin in Indiana and finish in North Carolina, just prior to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. Our trip will undoubtedly be filled with interesting stops, roadside attractions, visits with friends and supporters, and opportunities to share about RFC and tell others about Jesus.
Be watching for more details and plan to join us on our 2027 adventure! For more information on our planned route or trip sponsorship, visit RacersForChrist.org/road-trip or email Eddie directly at eddie.baugher@teamrfc.org.
BIG HEARTS, BIG BIDS, BIG IMPACT!
Our annual online auction was a great success! From monster truck models and collectible cookie jars to an NHRA Wally, autographed footballs, fire suits, and even a piece of the Chicago Bulls’ parquet floor signed by Michael Jordan, friends of RFC bid generously and raised nearly $15,000 for the ministry!
Thank you to everyone who donated items and placed bids this year.
READY TO ROLL?
If you’re in or near Las Vegas this October, we invite you to join us for the RFC Bowling Tournament on Thursday, October 29th, at Santa Fe Lanes. It’ll be an evening of bowling, fun, fellowship, and plenty of laughs.
A special thank you to Davis Motorsports and Ted Wiens Complete Auto Service for continuing to sponsor this event and helping make this fun evening possible.
You can register as a team or individually at RacersForChrist.org/bowling.
HIT THE LINKS!
Our 18th Annual RFC Golf Tournament is fast approaching! Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona, CA, will host our group on Wednesday, November 11th, before the NHRA Finals that weekend. A few player spots are still available, and we always welcome your sponsorships!
Sign up to play by going to RacersForChrist.org/golf-tournament or contact Chaplain Jim Jack at revjimjck@aol.com.
At the Nor Cal Posse Shootout at Placerville Speedway in CA, Chaplain Larry Elliott prays with racer Taylor Hall before she gets into her 360 winged sprint car.
Speaking on understanding & receiving God’s peace, Chaplain Joey Keith brought the message at the Funny Car Classic at Texas Motorplex in Ennis.
Chaplain Kevin Cooke prays with Top Sportsman driver Rob Hyatt at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, MD. (photo courtesy of Hope 70 Photography)
Chaplain Craig Ritschel prays in the staging lanes at the NHRA National Open at Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, IA.
At the Route 66 Raceway NHRA Nationals in Joliet, IL, Chaplain Kelly Baugher prays with Pro Stock driver Dallas Glenn.
Chaplain Chris Sonterre prays with racer Dalton in the staging lanes at Rock Falls Raceway in WI.
Chaplain John Williams baptizes Vega, who accepted Christ at the Eastern Conference Junior Finals in TN.
Chaplain Brenna Shaffer leads the RFC Kids session at Rock Falls Raceway in WI.
Chaplain Jimmy Dixon set up his Rodders For Christ pop-up at the Airstrip Attack car show in Hondo, TX.
At the NJBA Spring Fling boat race at Lake Ming in CA, Chaplain Brent Richardson prays with a driver.