As the largest sporting venue in the state of Illinois, Chicagoland Speedway hosts well over 300,000 guests during each race season. 

“NASCAR and IRL weekend are incredible opportunities for WCRM to serve the track, its guests and let them see what true Christian service is about,” said Evans.  “Jesus statement to his disciples in Matthew 9:37 that the ‘harvest is plentiful’ was as true then as it is right now for WCRM.  God has laid out an incredible opportunity for us to serve the thousands of race fans who come each season.”Since beginning its service in 2003, WCRM has been able to expand its outreach with an extra location at the speedway. 

The 30 ft. X 40 ft. main tent location was once again situated outside of the infield, close to the merchandise area, behind the grandstands.  The other location is situated inside the infield RV area, directly in front of the scoring pylon.  “What most people don’t realize is that WCRM is invited by the speedway to be part of NASCAR weekend,” stressed Evans.  “We assist the speedway in any way possible with guest services, trauma support, etc. and they in turn ask us to provide chapel services and other functions for their guests and employees.”Among several other areas of service, WCRM once again provided handicap guests golf cart rides, distributed track information fan guides and provided cold water to employees who work outside.  Inside the main tent location WCRM also held another successful NASCAR merchandise give-away

With over 75,000 guests visiting the speedway each day during a race weekend, items are bound to get lost - children as well.  WCRM was able to assist the speedway in running the lost-and-found program out of the main tent location, as well as lending a hand with the speedway’s lost child program.  “Thankfully, WCRM was able to reunite 14 children with their parents during 2005,” Evans said.  “Being involved in so many aspects at the speedway during NASCAR weekend is a lot of work, but seeing children reunited with their parents, an employee thankful for a cold drink of water or an elderly guest being grateful for a ride on a hot day, is what makes our ministry worth doing,” said Evans.  What an opportunity to be able to meet the physical needs of people and in turn possibly help them spiritually as a result.”

Arguably, the highlight of the 2005 season was the Saturday night infield RV area concert during NASCAR weekend that featured the southern Illinois band, River.  Lead by Barry Steed, River entertained approximately 1,500 NASCAR fans for two hours with hits such as “Mustang Sally” and “Sweet Home Chicago”.  River has also performed at other NASCAR tracks including Talladega Superspeedway and Michigan International Raceway.  As some already know, River’s unique blend of southern country rock and classic rock comes with a twist – they are pastors.  “Barry Steed and his band are simply incredible,” said Evans.  “Steed is up front with the crowd from the beginning when he lets them know he is there to make sure they have a good time, but in a responsible manner.  The reason they are such a hit is that they understand racing, understand the fans and just love the atmosphere.  Even thought they are pastors, the fans are comfortable and have a great time.”  The 2004 concert was so popular that in 2005 there was a 50% increase in attendance!  The high-energy, family-oriented concert is not what some expect after learning it is put on by a ministry, but they are pleasantly surprised after it is over.  As one race fan wrote in an e-mail to the speedway after 2004’s NASCAR event, “Saturday’s infield concert was a very pleasant surprise! When we saw it was being presented by the racing ministry we were afraid it would be a bit ‘preachy’.  However, the music was absolutely wonderful! They had a really good show without mixing in too much ‘preaching’.  Again, it was one of the highlights of the weekend!”

Another highlight of the season was the Sunday chapel services.  WCRM once again provided four chapel services on Sunday of each race weekend, which included a Guest Services employee chapel service.  “Talk about God opening doors for WCRM!” Evans said.  “A chapel service for employees was requested by the track, not WCRM.  That was definitely a welcomed surprise for us back in 2004.”  The Sunday chapel service for race fans took place at both tent locations.  Combined, approximately 200 race fans attend chapel.  The chapel service features a short sermon, music and refreshments.

“Race weekend is definitely an unconventional ministry field,” said Brian Regnerus, a WCRM board of director’s member and former public relations manager for Chicagoland Speedway.  “Motorsports in general is very much a family-oriented sport so chapel services at the track are usually welcomed with open arms.  Race fans who are Christians are very appreciative of chapel services, while the race fans who aren’t far along in their walk or maybe aren’t Christians at all, don’t mind it because they view it as a great start to their race day morning.  The message is always upbeat, positive and never intimidating or overbearing.”

Finally, WCRM was honored again in 2005 with being asked to give the invocation before the USG Durock 300, NASCAR Busch Series race at Chicagoland Speedway on Saturday of NASCAR weekend.  Evans delivered the invocation before a sold-out crowd of 75,000 race fans, and millions more on NBC!  “Giving the invocation was once again an incredible honor and a humbling experience for me,” he said.Even though the 2005 race season is over, 2006 is literally right around the corner!  “We are excited about what opportunities God has for WCRM and pray that we boldly walk through those open doors.”

But, before the 2006 season starts, WCRM is once again holding its second annual “Get on Track for Charity” benefit night at Chicago Indoor Racing in Buffalo Grove, Illinois on Saturday, January 28 to raise funds for the ministry, as well as the Victory Junction Gang Camp, the Mike Guglielmucci Racers Benevolent Fund and Focus Motorsports Ministries.  The event will feature NASCAR drivers Paul Menard and Matt Crafton.  The event includes food, door prizes, the opportunity to meet Menard and Crafton, as well as the chance to bid on many once-in-a-lifetime live and silent motorsports-themed auction items.  And, race fans are also able to take part in an exciting 14-lap karting race the afternoon of the event with both NASCAR drivers!  Used Goodyear Racing tires, NASCAR lug nuts, and raffle tickets will also be on sale at the event.  “Our inaugural event in 2005 went very well and race fans had a great time,” said Evans.   “But, more importantly, we are able to raise money for some very worthy organizations that serve the same racing community that we have come to love and respect.  We look forward to expanding this event over the years and increasing our ability to support these organizations.”

In its brief three-year history, WCRM has already made great strides and the future is incredibly bright, but there is still more ministry to do and more volunteers are needed.  “I can’t thank the volunteers enough who have taken hours out off their busy schedules to serve with this ministry and be a blessing to so many race fans.  We may not know how many we brought to the Lord or how many we started on the path to salvation, but someday in Heaven we will!”