NHRA Family Keeps The Faith

Like in any family, there are squabbles and there's love; there are victories and tragedies. The drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series still come together as a family in the end.

The drag racing community is extremely close-knit, forged by the pressure to win, the excitement of the competition and the stresses of ever-present danger. Racers for Christ offers drivers — and their fans — a chance to come together and celebrate their community.

Racers for Christ president Larry Smiley and his wife tour the country with the NHRA series, visiting most — if not all — the events during the season. He's in Sonoma this weekend for the 25th NHRA Sonoma Nationals. Before Sunday's elimination round, Smiley and Racers for Christ invited drivers and fans to join in a non-denominational service.

"For some, we are their racing family. Some have their hometown pastors and then they have their racing pastor. We're glad to be part of the family," Smiley said.

Of course, a church service held in Don Schumacher's hospitality tent at Sonoma Raceway is a little different than most other services.

"I use racing analogies in sermons to strengthen the relationship with Jesus Christ," Smiley said.

Smiley knows all the joy and sadness that follows the NHRA family. He was present at the wedding of former Funny Car driver Ashley Force and Danny Hood and had the chance to see their baby, Noah, in Sonoma. Smiley's also felt the pain of loss.

NHRA was left reeling after the 2007 death of Eric Medlen, an Oakdale native, who suffered severe head trauma following a crash during a test session in Florida. Medlen's roots run especially deep in Sonoma, where fans celebrate his life with the annual Eric Medlen Ice Cream Social on the racetrack.

"It's a very dangerous sport and we realize tragedy can happen. We pray that it doesn't happen," Smiley said.

Racers for Christ also serves the local amateur drivers, with pastors who call a track their second home.

"They do a good job. They make everyone feel welcome," said Danny Valadez of Larkspur, a Top Dragster pilot who competed in back-to-back weekends at Sonoma.