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times of good , but many , many times in times of bad .”
Smith ’ s first encounter with drag racing happened when she was just three years old , as her stepfather bracket raced . She says she rededicated her life to the Lord in 2006 , and in 2008 , she was inspired by an ESPN2 top-end interview by NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Angelle Sampey . The Louisiana native was grappling with the fact that she was racing at the U . S . Nationals in Indianapolis while Hurricane Ike was striking her home state . Sampey spoke about the Racers for Christ ( RFC ) chaplains who prayed with her , and Smith decided she wanted to serve racers in that same way .
“ It was so cool how God brought me back into drag racing and in such an amazing way that would bring such joy to my life ,” Smith says . “ I have so much love to give and give it to people who are hungry , but they ’ re hungry for Him . I got to share that testimony with Angelle one day at one of the NHRA nationals in Charlotte . It just made my day . We never know the things that we say and the impact and the ripple effect that it has on people .”
Smith , who also has experience building engines , has been with RFC for 16 years and with God Speed since 2018 when she joined the Binghams at the PDRA ’ s stop at Darlington Dragway . She was shy at first , but she soon realized the PDRA community embraces the presence of God Speed Ministry chaplains . She started developing relationships with the touring regulars and local racers alike .
“ The race car is the icebreaker ,” Smith says . “ I can talk their language . I can take parts of that car and I can teach them God ’ s Word using their car parts because if I get it , they are going to get it .”
The impact that Bingham , Smith , and the other God Speed representatives
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is felt throughout the eightrace PDRA season , but also at the annual Championship Awards Banquet in Indianapolis . They ’ re mentioned in nearly every champion ’ s acceptance speech along with family , friends , and sponsors . |
“ It ’ s humbling to know that people appreciate what we do ,” Bingham says . “ First , it makes us feel like what we ’ re doing is worthwhile , |
that when we spend those hours in the staging lanes in the heat , the cold or whatever , that we are having an impact .”
Similarly , the PDRA community itself has made an impact on both Bingham and Smith .
“ It ’ s been really life-changing because this organization , of all the different ones that we serve , they
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want prayer ,” Bingham says . “ They want God in part of it . That has helped me , as someone who grew up very shy and very timid , come out of my shell . Even though I ’ m still an introvert , there is just a grace that comes and I am fueled . The love and the support and the return is just wonderful .”
For Smith , the PDRA and its racers helped her cope with the loss of her husband , Jay , in 2021 following a cancer battle . They surrounded her with support immediately following his passing and have continued to make her feel like a part of the PDRA family .
“ The PDRA fills holes in my life , and I tell them as much as I can , America needs heroes , and for some of us , it ’ s drag racers ,” Smith says . “ Of course , the military is a cut above . But I tell them I never thought that I would be doing what I ’ m doing without Jay . I have experienced such great brokenness in private parts of my life , and when Jr . Dragster drivers come up to me and they hug me , that is pure . When a mama says , ‘ Pray with me because my son ’ s getting in that hot rod ,’ I ’ m going to pray for her . They love me in ways that I can ’ t even put into words .”
As God Speed Ministry celebrates its 20th anniversary this year , Bingham says the group has no intentions of slowing down . Instead , the organization is seeking additional chaplains and volunteers to join the current lineup . God Speed Ministry is also always accepting donations to support its programs .
“ We invite people to learn more , to get involved , and visit our website ,” says Bingham , noting the website is GodSpeedMinistry . com . “ All of the information and the applications are there . We would just love to see this ministry explode and have an even greater impact in the future . I think our world needs it .”
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