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"Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us" - Hebrews 8:1 |
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At the Track ...Update - 17th February, 2007
Hi Everyone, I finally made it to another race so here's Saturday night from my perspective: Kev thought he wouldn't even get a start because on Saturday afternoon he discovered that the car's petrol cap was locked on and wouldn't budge. An emergency call to Steve in Ballarat and the solution was on the way. We took off for the race track: 38 degrees, no air conditioning in the old Commodore loaded to the hilt with gear and grub. We arrived at the track and found the Pits crowded with other enthusiastic competitors. The Redline track at Ballarat was surrounded by eucalypts and looked a picture! Steve from Racetec was better than the RACV ~ he welded the new top in the tank and gave it back to Steve G. This made it possible for them to fix Kev's problem so they got to work straight away, refitting it. Result: total success and ready to go. The engine didn't sound as good as the boys would have liked but they were ready for the first race. Kev had pole position. First race, Kev started first and finished second, the engine wasn't running as well as they would have liked, so back to the pits for adjustments. All the boys, Steve, Ian and Billy were hard at work, as ususal and the car looked a picture when it went out for the second race, where Kev was to start second. Between races, Kev makes a point of mingling with the other drivers and chatting about perceived problems in the previous races, catching up with friends and unwinding. This is where I think Kev's skills as a Christian and a communicator will be a blessing because he's building bridges of trust which will, we pray, help to show people the love of Jesus in action. Please pray for this important aspect of Outreach 500's presence at the track. After a bit of scuffling before the start of the second race, they started. Kev's car didn't seem to be going as well as it should. He finished the race by cruising through the last few laps. When he returned to the pits the crew found that the exhaust had been broken right through and just a few minutes later one of the ground crew came up with a very hot, very battered muffler. While adjustments were being made to the car, again, Kev went off to meet some of his friends who'd come to support him. When they heard of the problem, David, a friend from church, immediately suggested what should have been the most obvious solution ~ prayer. We all gave the problem to God and thanked him for the progress so far. Kev decided to race the third without a muffler. NOISY! He used ear plugs and made sure he made as little noise as possible, to allay suspicion! We were all nervous he wouldn't get a start but he did. It sounded very noisy and we were all hoping he'd get away with it! The third race started well, but there were lots of re-starts. Kev made steady progress through the field but each re-start seemed to see him further back than I expected him to be. Despite these set-backs, he was running hot when he hit a bump in a turn and spun out. He spun and then flipped onto his side. We were concerned but it as evident he was ok because he waved his hand almost immediately. After a time, battered and bruised (both the car and Kev) they tried to re-start, with a push. Yes! Off he went again and the race re-commenced, Kev finished near the end but, he finished! The car exited the track, noisy, bent, dinted, dirty, but still going! The next pit stop saw lots of activity as the carbies were worked on and the muffler re-welded. Would we be able to make the finals? YES! Off again. Kev took his place with all the other drivers and the finals were on. There were lots of re-starts in the finals, due to various problems, one of which was Kev spinning and the engine stalling. Another push start! Billy mused that it was Kev's trick to save his engine from wearing out!!!! The finals saw Outreach 500 'sitting it out' for the final few laps as a result of being hit by a spinning car. But we all had a fantastic time! It was a night to remember with frustration, worry, elation, excitement ................ worth every cent! The boys loaded the battered little car into the trailer. It will take a 'miracle' to see it looking good ever again ~ but we believe in miracles so, no doubt, it will look fantastic very soon! We thank God for His love and for keeping Kev, and all the other competitors
on the night safe. For us, that's what it's all about.
Photo no 1. Photo no 2. Photo no 3. Photo no 4. Photo no 5. Photo no 6. Photo no 7. |
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