USA (MNN) — People don't always listen to the spiritual promptings of family and friends. But if their idols told them to follow Christ, they may just be inclined to listen up.
The Daytona 500, a famous NASCAR car racing event in Florida, will take place this Sunday, February 26. NASCAR is loved by millions of fans, each of whom follows and roots for specific drivers.
With so many eyes on the Daytona race, E3Partners didn't want to miss out on an opportunity to make Christ's name known, especially since a number of drivers are followers of Christ.
Out of a drive to unite Christian drivers and their fans, E3 helped form an event for this year's Daytona 500. E3's John Humphries explains, "Really ‘I Am Second,' which is an initiative of E3Partners' ministry, has partnered with these drivers. The events themselves are called ‘Finish a Winner.'"
The event will take place this Friday, Sunday February 24 at Ocean Walk Shoppes on Daytona Beach.
"It's about a two-hour event that features five to six–and even more–of the current NASCAR drivers coming together, sharing their faith, and then meeting the public and signing autographs," says Humphries. "There are bands that are also involved. It's a really neat outreach event."
Scheduled to attend the "Finish a Winner" event are multiple favorite NASCAR drivers. A new I Am Second driver film will be shown as well that features, among others, Trevor Bayne, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr, Michael McDowell, Justin Allgaier, Blake Koch and David Starr.
Trevor Bayne was the winner of last year's Daytona 500 race. He was the youngest winner in the race's history, coming in first when he was barely 20 years old.
But Bayne has more going for him than that. He is also a devoted follower of the God of the universe. Through I Am Second, he has already been able to share his passion for Christ via video and will share in public at the "Finish a Winner" event.
"Trevor has really taken it seriously to go ahead and share his faith when he has opportunities," says Humphries, who adds that multiple drivers are excited for the event–so much so, in fact, that they plan to duplicate it. "The drivers have also determined that they will be doing similar events at other races around the country–not every race, but when they can."
Pray for open hearts at this event on Friday. Pray that those who come just to get a glimpse of these stars will leave with changed hearts. Pray that many families would come out for the event, and that the weather will be favorable.
If you will be in the Daytona area and would like to attend, check out the "Finish a Winner" facebook page or visit e3partners.org.
