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By Rev Don Rivers
I have the opportunity to attend races that carry more meaning than “just another race”. We call them “Memorial Races”. These races help us remember competitors and others connected with our racing community. Who is on your mind today? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Many of us have memories of racers that have left us. We keep their memory alive by taking time to recognize them and honor them during the racing season. Riverhead Raceway remembers Tommy Baldwin, Richie Evans and Charlie Jarzombek in a Memorial Race. Many times with several vintage cars; some from “Charging” Charlie Jarzombek as well as a “Tiger” Tom Baldwin 7NY. Racers don’t want to forget the past; they celebrate it and use that memory to keep them pressing forward to race another day.
As I mentioned it is Vacation Bible School Time at Christian Life Chapel. This passage was our focal and memory verse this year. They are significant in encouraging us to persevere as we remember those who paved the way for us.
Hebrews 12:1-2a; NLT; Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Remembering the perseverance of others helps us continue on against the obstacles we face every day. Those that are gone too soon do not leave us alone; they leave us with their example and the encouragement that that brings.
The Shane Hammond Memorial is a race that has significant meaning to me. I was there the day Shane went home to the Lord. I have walked beside his mom through the days that follow, the good, bad and ugly. I have watched her make every effort not to let his short life be forgotten. She is a great witness to endurance and perseverance. I was thrilled to see her as she made her way into the pit area at Monadnock this last Saturday, we shared an embrace.
She knows the pain of loss that comes when a child goes home. She has been by Lynda and my side helping us through. There is a special bond, not one we welcome or ask for but none the less we share. She is more than just a friend, she has walked the walk and has inspired us to do the same.
Shane left us in the prime of his life, but he didn’t leave us alone. He left a deep impression on our hearts. His life, the difficulties he overcame to just get into a racecar. I still can see the smile on his face. We joke about it often, but Shane was living the dream.
Victory Lane is a special place for his mom. The joy on her face as she presented trophies to the winners in Shane’s honor. She truly is letting his memory supply the strength for her to carry on. She not only is living life, but she is using her life and effort to help others be safer as they race through the Shane Hammond Believe Foundation.
It is difficult to carry on if one of your children dies. Where does the strength come from? I think of Shane’s mom, Deb Marvuglio, and I know we have someone to emulate. We have a great witness.
Deb took the time to pour out her heart, to share what is really going on behind her smile and effervescent personality. She allowed me to share it with you.
“37, is it just a number?”
“The number 37, what does it mean to you? To me, it’s not just a Midget that was transformed over the years from black to white to yellow & blue. The 37 was a dream that became a reality for my son, Shane. A young man who had an infectious smile and bright blue eyes. Shane learned about risk and reward and much more by 15. An amazing karter whether it was dirt or asphalt, he had a handle on it.
Fast forward to 15, emergency brain and spine surgery where the risk is death and the reward life; but what kind of life was yet to be determined. Shane survived and with determination like no other. He fought through pain and the odds against him to get back to karting. When the pain became too much he looked for a car that offered more suspension and protection from the grueling jarring of karting. NEMA that was the ticket; that was the open wheel racing of choice.
Shane crewed with the Cabral’s and that magical day they let him take out their car at Waterford, he beamed as he climbed out. There was one person missing that day, his grandmother (his biggest fan, Betty).
We looked at each other and he said, “She’s here, she didn’t miss it”.
Those magic moments continue as his brother Anthony “the Bug” Marvuglio experienced that feeling at Waterford on more than one occasion. Bug has expressed, “Mom, he was in the car with me”, referring to Shane. Waterford is a magical place for me and my boys.
Back to the 37, not just a number, a tribute to Shane’s Grandfather, Jack Glockner a man that helped Shane live his dream every step of the way. Shane and Jack (Pa) worked side by side and Pa bought him that last 37 from Bob Bradbury another NEMA legend that was taken too soon.
So as you remember the Shane Hammond Memorial, please think about the risks, the rewards and the price; is it all worth it, are you making the right choices. Every race is a risk, life is a risk. Shane’s last race, in the Jarret #4, was a reward to him, he felt respected, excited, and worthy. He knew he could do whatever it takes. Sometimes our days don’t go as planned and that one day in April, God had other plans; He took Shane out of his painful body and gave him eternal life….. For whosoever believeth…..shall have eternal life. (John 3:16)”
Deb Marvuglio, Shane and Anthony’s mom, Shane Hammond Believe Foundation
We are surrounded by so many who have paved the way for us, finished the race and inspired us as the lived. Think about those who are following us. Are we inspiring them to finish well?
There needs to be examples to the life of faith for others to follow. Those of us who believe and know Christ must set that example. We are set apart. We need to remember that and live our life knowing someone is following our example. Finish well!
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
