5th Annual
Shane Hammond Memorial Race
July 26, 2014 at The Waterford Speedbowl

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Deb - Todd Bertrand #39,
3rd - Winner Seth Carlson #71 - Avery Stoehr #15a, 2nd |
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PJ
Stergios #11, 3rd - Anthone Payne #21, 2nd - Winner Juris Kupris
#42 - Deb |
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RWJM Column
8.7.14
DEEPER MEANING |
I had the opportunity to
attend some races these past weeks that carry more meaning than
“just another race”. We call them “Memorial Races”. These races
help us remember competitors and others connected with our
racing community. Who is on your mind today? Greetings in the
name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Many of us have memories of racers that have left us. We keep
their memory alive by taking time to recognize them and honor
them during the racing season. Last week Riverhead remembered
Tommy Baldwin, Richie Evans and Charlie Jarzombek. Three of
"Charging" Charlie Jarzombek's vintage race cars were on hand as
well as a "Tiger" Tom Baldwin 7NY. Racers don’t want to forget
the past; they celebrate it and use that memory to keep them
pressing forward to race another day.
I know these verses make an appearance in this column often but
they are significant in encouraging us to persevere.
Hebrews 12:1-2; Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a
great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that
hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run
with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on
Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Remembering the perseverance of others helps us continue on
against the obstacles we face everyday. Those that are gone too
soon do not leave us alone; they leave us with their example and
the encouragement that that brings.
The other Saturday night I was at Waterford Speedbowl for the
Shane Hammond Memorial. Shane left us in the prime of his life,
but he didn’t leave us alone. He left a deep impression on our
hearts. His life, the difficulties he overcame to just get into
a racecar. I still can see the smile on his face. We joke about
it often, but Shane was living the dream.
I had the opportunity to share Victory Lane with his mom on
Saturday. The joy on her face as she presented trophies to the
winners in Shane’s honor. She truly was letting his memory
supply the strength for her to carry on. She not only is living
life, but she is using her life and effort to help others be
safer as they race through the Shane Hammond Believe Foundation.
Sometimes I wonder how difficult it would be to carry on if one
of my children died. I wonder where the strength would come
from. I think of Shane’s mom, Deb Marvuglio, and I know I’ll
have someone to emulate.
Deb took the time this week to pour out her heart, to share what
is really going on behind her smile and effervescent
personality. She allowed me to share it with you this week.
“37, is it just a number?”
“The number 37, what does it mean to you? To me, it's not just a
Midget that was transformed over the years from black to white
to yellow & blue. The 37 was a dream that became a reality for
my son, Shane. A young man who had an infectious smile and
bright blue eyes. Shane learned about risk and reward and much
more by 15. An amazing karter whether it was dirt or asphalt, he
had a handle on it.
Fast forward to 15, emergency brain and spine surgery where the
risk is death and the reward life; but what kind of life was yet
to be determined. Shane survived and with determination like no
other. He fought through pain and the odds against him to get
back to karting. When the pain became too much he looked for a
car that offered more suspension and protection from the
grueling jarring of karting. NEMA that was the ticket; that was
the open wheel racing of choice.
Shane crewed with the Cabral's and that magical day they let him
take out their car at Waterford, he beamed as he climbed out.
There was one person missing that day, his grandmother (his
biggest fan, Betty).
We looked at each other and he said, "She's here, she didn't
miss it".
Those magic moments continue as his brother Anthony "the Bug"
Marvuglio experienced that feeling at Waterford on more than one
occasion. Bug has expressed, "Mom, he was in the car with me",
referring to Shane. Waterford is a magical place for me and my
boys.
Back to the 37, not just a number, a tribute to Shane's
Grandfather, Jack Glockner a man that helped Shane live his
dream every step of the way. Shane and Jack (Pa) worked side by
side and Pa bought him that last 37 from Bob Bradbury another
NEMA legend that was taken too soon.
So as you get ready for the Shane Hammond Memorial, please think
about the risks, the rewards and the price; is it all worth it,
are you making the right choices. Every race is a risk, life is
a risk. Shane's last race, in the Jarret #4, was a reward to
him, he felt respected, excited, and worthy. He knew he could do
whatever it takes. Sometimes our days don't go as planned and
that one day in April, God had other plans; He took Shane out of
his painful body and gave him eternal life..... For whosoever
believeth.....shall have eternal life. (John 3:15)”
Deb Marvuglio, Shane and Anthony's mom, Shane Hammond Believe
Foundation
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
IOWA TAKE TWO- I didn’t make the trip west to Iowa last week, we
had Vacation Bible School at Mount Carmel Christian Church and I
needed to be a part of things. Our Mid-West Chaplain, Mike Kray
covered things and sent in this report. Thanks Mike for your
willingness to serve the racing community.
The day started with bright sunshine as the teams prepared for
the race. The day progressed well for all teams as only one car
had an issue during the hot laps and a backup car was used. 43
cars qualified and started the race. The top 3 to 5 cars battled
hard the last 15 laps and the lead changed several times.
Brandon Jones took the checkered flag followed by Kenzie Ruston
and Cole Custer.
Chapel service was attended by approximately 25 people from both
the K & N East and West. We discussed how Christ gives us
victory over the storms in our lives. In Matthew 8:23-27 we see
where Jesus and His disciples got in a ship to cross the Sea of
Galilee. They had a long and hard day and I am sure they were
glad to relax and enjoy the ride. The disciples were experienced
fisherman but the Sea of Galilee is approximately 13 miles long
and 7 miles wide and surrounded by mountains. A wind can come up
swiftly and the waters can go from calm to 15 to 20 foot waves
very quickly. The disciples were scared and Jesus was sleeping.
I am sure they woke Jesus up by shouting, "Lord, save us! We're
going to drown!" Jesus asked why they were afraid and told them
they had little faith. Jesus then rebuked the wind and the waves
and the Sea of Galilee became extremely calm.
We can so easy forget to pray and wonder why things go wrong.
Then we get upset or lose our temper impacting all those around
us - our crew, our family, the driver. We set out for Iowa after
a week of unpacking and trying to find things after moving. We
moved from a house we had lived in for 43 years. So many things
were running through my mind, trying to make sure I had bills
paid and got them in the mail, getting packed for the trip,
setting the GPS in the car and as we pulled out of the driveway
my wife reminded me I had forgotten the most important thing -
pray for the trip. Trying to pray while listening to the GPS and
looking out for traffic simply does not work. That prayer needs
to be a priority and let the rest fall into place. Here Jesus
was ready to listen and I forgot to speak to Him!
Things can happen in racing. We can do our best with our car and
the setup and things can still happen. The first Indy 500 I
attended Wally Dullenbach, Sr, had the fastest and best car.
Leading lap after lap for over half the race and then he picked
up debris in a tire and as he slowed down the engine gave out.
Bad weather came in and if he could have lasted 12 more laps he
would have won a rain shortened race.
When things come up in our lives talk to Jesus and let Him calm
the storms in our life. Psalm 119:10 says "With a whole heart I
sought you. Let me not wander from your commandments." We are
reminded to delight in God's Word. Yet when those events take
place we call "racing happens" the storm is right there in our
lives and now we need to have the courage to take our issues
with Him and let Jesus Christ give us Victory in all
circumstances.
Bob reminded us of "A Christian's Job Description" by giving us
20 examples of a Christian's MO. The first reminder is to love
one another and really be the example to others and Christ is
the example to us. Bob was a pleasure to be with the entire day
as we prayed for the drivers and served the NASCAR officials.
Let us rejoice and remember no matter what happens Jesus loves
us. He wants us to talk to Him and is ready and willing to be in
our lives - eternally & forever! Amen!
MID-AUGUST ROAD TRIP- Well here we go, Stafford/Watkins Glen on
Friday, Thompson on Wednesday, Virginia International on
Saturday and Bristol on Wednesday. Back and forth and in
between, it will be interesting to see what God has planned.
YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED- In August of every year we face a
challenge to keep going. The racing season takes a toll on us
physically, mentally and spiritually. The resources needed to
continue get scarce. We need you by our side. Please lift us up
in your prayers and remember to partner with us financially. It
is important as we run the race marked out for us.
Until next time, be a witness for our Lord with the ministry
decals and apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel
Store at www.rwjm.com. Send us your prayer and counseling needs
no matter what part of our racing family you are in, or give us
a call. Remember that God loves you, we love you and |
Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
Mail reaches us at Racing with Jesus Ministries, PO Box 586,
Tolland, CT 06084. Check our weekly printed pages in "Area Auto
Racing News", the East Coast’s largest weekly racing paper"
Check our home page www.rwjm.com for past articles. Drop us a
note and share your input and thoughts. Please remember, we can
only do what we do because of your prayerful support.
Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and
keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and
give you peace."
May God always Bless you, everyday in everyway. Rev. Don |
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37, is it just a number?
By Deb Marvuglio |
The
number 37, what does it mean to you? To me, it's not just a
Midget that was transformed over the years from black to white
to yellow & blue. The 37 was a dream that became a reality for
my son, Shane. A young man who had an infectious smile and
bright blue eyes.
Shane learned about risk and reward and much more by 15. An
amazing karter whether it was dirt or asphalt, he had a handle
on it. Fast forward to 15 and emergency brain and spine surgery
where the risk is death and the reward life, but what kind of
life was yet to be determined. Shane survived and with
determination like no other fought through pain and the odds
against him to get back to karting.
When the pain became to much he looked for a car that offered
more suspension and protection from the grueling jarring of
karting. NEMA that was the ticket, that was the open wheel
racing of choice. Shane crewed with the Cabral's and that
magical day they let him take out their car at Waterford, he
beamed as he climbed out. There was one person missing that day,
his grandmother (his biggest fan, Betty) and we looked at each
other and he said, "she's here, she didn't miss it".
Those magic moments continue as his
brother Anthony "the Bug" Marvuglio experienced that feeling at
Waterford on more than one occasion. Bug has expressed, "Mom, he
was in the car with me", referring to Shane. Waterford is a
magical place for me and my boys.
Back to the 37, not just a number, a tribute to Shane's
Grandfather, Jack Glockner a man that helped Shane live his
dream every step of the way. Shane and Jack (Pa) worked side by
side and Pa bought him that last 37 from Bob Bradbury another
NEMA legend that was taken too soon.
So as you get ready for the Shane Hammond Memorial, please think
about the risks, the rewards and the price; is it all worth it,
are you making the right choices. Every race is a risk, life is
a risk. Shane's last race, in the Jarret #4 was a reward to him,
he felt respected, excited, and worthy. He knew he could do
whatever it takes. Sometime our days don't go as planned and
this one day in April, God had other plans; he took Shane out of
his painful body and gave him eternal life..... For whosoever
believeth.....shall have eternal life. (John 3:15) |
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