Go Fast Chaplains
Two pastors reach out to race drivers of all kinds.
By Jerry Nordskog
December 2003
Powerboat Magazine
On the docks and in the pits at major powerboat races, caring chaplains minister to boat racers, crews and their families, even fans. They are on hand at the invitation of the racing circuits as official participants. In the tunnel-boat racing community, Laurie and Jan Vidal just completed their ninth year serving the teams. In offshore and Unlimited-hydroplane racing, Jim and Sandy Black have been providing the chaplaincy.
In 1996, I asked Laurie and Jan Vidal to lead us in a chapel service and be part of the APBA North American Championships in Ventura , Calif. They did and provided assistance-along with my wife, Gail, who was the official family representative for the race-when a racer was thrown into the water during an accident, and was whisked to a hospital for back injuries. Praying with, comforting and caring for injured racers and families is now standard procedure at national boat-racing events.
Terry Tomalin, POWERBOAT'S offshore racing editor, was excited to tell me about APBA Offshore racing this summer.
"Every Sunday, before the races, Jim Black holds a nondenominational service before the drivers meeting. It is very well attended, a virtual who's who of offshore racing," he said. "In a sport where death looms just over your shoulder at every turn, Jim Black is a reassuring presence. He talked about forgiveness and 'wise forgetfulness,' and I saw a lot of competitors shaking hands and offering pats on the back."
Jim Black earned a bachelor's degree from Hyles-Anderson College in Crown Point , Ind. , and was honored with a doctor of divinity degree from the same school, then pastored for 24 years on the East and West coasts and in the South. He resigned as senior pastor of Open Door in mid-2000. Jim and Sandy stepped out in faith to begin working with the racing community, especially in offshore racing, and the Unlimited-hydroplane circuit. The Blacks live in Clearwater , Fla. , and have three children. Laurie and Jan Vidal graduated from Columbia Bible College in Columbia , S.C. Laurie also graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson , Miss. , and became an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church in America . After pastoring at many churches and directing the Christian Leadership Concepts discipleship ministry, he joined Motor Racing Outreach as director of discipleship in February 1998. The Vidals have served as chaplains to the Hydro/P.R.O.P. tunnel-boat tour since its inception in 1995 and the ChampBoat tour since it began in 2002. They have three children, and recently moved from North Carolina to DeLand , Fla.
The Vidals and the Blacks previously served with Motor Racing Outreach Christian ministry, which provides chaplains for major U.S. motor sports events, including NASCAR. Jim Black now heads Racing Performance Ministries ( www.racingperformanceministries.com ). The Vidal's launched Legacy Powerboat Ministry (www.legacyministry.com). which is affiliated with MRO.
"There are three main functions in the powerboat chaplaincy," Vidal said. "One, providing trauma support, care and assistance for the families of drivers when there is a racing accident." Laurie and Jan have been trained by the International Critical Incidence Stress Foundation to provide support in trauma situations. "Two, conducting chapel services for the racing community at race sites, typically on Sunday mornings prior to competition. And, three, simply being available for friendship, counsel, encouragement and whatever is needed during the weekend by the constituents."
The Black's RPM provides the same care, and Jim facilitates Life Issue Studies classes between races, which deal with life issues from a biblical perspective. Those attending some of these studies include participants from NASCAR, CART, NHRA, APBA Offshore, SBI Offshore, AMA and Hydro/P.R.O.P.
Though powerboat racing is generally safe and provides fully trained rescue teams and ambulances, occasionally a bad accident occurs. "There are tragic times," Jim Black said, "when a racer will even lose his life during a race. This time of heartbreak affects us all, the racer's immediate family, the team, the racing community, rescue teams and fans. We as chaplains minister to each of these groups in a unique way."
Jim and Sandy helped when a man was tossed from his boat in a race and his legs were broken. Another racer was thrown from his offshore boat and had his arm severed by its propeller. Again, RPM was there offering compassionate prayer and care.
Laurie has seen a lot in nine seasons.
Once he helped the wife of a driver who was "T-boned" during a race and became paralyzed from the waist down. He ministered to the family through the duration of the recovery process.
The Blacks and Vidals have assisted the injured and their families at the time of the incident and on a continuing basis.
Scott Porter; president of Formula Boats, affirmed the value of the chaplains: "I have known Jim Black now for several years and was excited from day one about having him at the races. Jim is there as a wonderful witness of the good news through his chapel services and is always there in time of need. As you know, we lost a friend and racer this year (Factory 2 racer Jack Stoerrle), and having Jim there to spend time with the many people involved meant so much."
My hat's off to the dedicated chaplains and to the racing organizers who have welcomed them into their fold, to provide a loving hand whenever and wherever needed.
