Godspeed: Racing Is My Religion

by L.D. Russell

When Dale Earnhardt died in a crash at Daytona Motor Speedway on February 18, 2001, the world stopped turning for millions of race fans. Lovers of the sport enshrined his iconic number 3 car and his racing legacy with a worship and reverence never before seen in the sport of car racing. Fascinated by the response of the media and the fans to Earnhardt's death-and grieving himself over such an untimely loss-L.D. Russell began exploring the deep attraction to cars, tracks, and speed driving fan's love of stock car racing and their adulation of Earnhardt. Godspeed records Russell's visits to rural race tracks, to races at Darlington Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway, and Richmond International Raceway, and his conversations with NASCAR chaplains and fans about their love of the sport. Russell weaves his own refl ections on the meaning of speed, death, and religion into a colorful story that covers the thrill and agony of racing as well as its tremendous popularity. Over the last decade, NASCAR has become the fastest-growing spectator sport in America. First, this phenomenon indicates that the sport has moved well beyond its Southern blue-collar roots to capture the hearts and souls of Americans at every socioeconomic level. Second, the mourning over Earnhardt indicates that at its deepest level NASCAR, like every religion, satisfi es a basic human it is at the same time a celebration of life and a way of dealing with death. For seasoned NASCAR fans, Godspeed offers reflections on the history of racing and the lore and legends of the sport. For fi rst-time fans, the book provides an in-depth look at the reasons that so many are attracted to the roar of engines and possibility of witnessing death on a Sunday afternoon at the track. For the uninitiated, Godspeed offers an absorbing introduction to enthralling appeal of car racing. Russell looks at both the intangible and tangible rewards that NASCAR offers its followers, as well as the ways it meets its followers' needs, particularly in the experience of transcending life's limitations. For anyone who's ever been spellbound by the electrifying power of speeding cars hurtling hellbound toward a checkered flag, Godspeed takes you behind the wheel to experience the exhilarating thrills of NASCAR and its tremendous existential appeal.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Benjamin Heiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a serious observation of a subculture that is often mocked and poorly perceived among the educated; intensely thought-provoking. As the book progresses the author undergoes a personal spiritual journey as he travels on his motorcycle through the heartland of the U.S.

[Misty Pearson Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a southern belle born and raised in Lexington, NC, only an hour away from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, you think I'd know a thing or two about Nascar. Unfortunately, I did not until reading this book. Even as someone with no racing background or previous knowledge of the sport, I throughly enjoyed Godspeed. It's informative and entertaining with wonderful bits of wisdom, humor and good ole' fashioned story-telling sprinkled throughout. As a religious studies major, I'm sold on the idea of turning anything into a study of religious undertones, and racing is no different. Five stars for a well-written book, and hats off to one of my favorite professors. Great job, LD, and congrats! It was definitely worth the wait.

[Linda Billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a memoir written by my good friend Larry Russell. He told me (for years!) that he was writing a book about God and NASCAR, and I always thought "oh no, what do I say about THAT?!?" Well, here's what I say about THAT: I really really LOVE this book. Yes, it is about God and NASCAR,...somewhat, but it is really about Larry and his journeys through life. It is funny, poignant, sad, and clever. When I read a memoir that really touches me, I send a letter to the author thanking them for writing it. I would have written the letter to Larry even had I not known him. You don't have to be a fan of NASCAR, or God, for that matter, to enjoy Godspeed.......!

[Christy]

Ya'll I learned about NASCAR! Its one of my professors at Elon, he wrote about God and Nascar...good book and a must read!

[L. D. Russell]

I defer rating and comments to my readers.