Team RFC was established in
1971, and incorporated as a non-profit in 1978, as fellowship for Christians
in the sport of motor racing, and has developed into a growing organization
with broad impact across North America and beyond. The overall purpose of
RFC's involvement in motor racing is to service emotional and spiritual needs.
Realizing that racing is more than just a mechanized existence, we strive to
bring a more balanced perspective in providing inspiration and encouragement
to motorsports.
In the United
States alone, over 75 million people (nearly one-third of the population) are
said to attend motorsports events each year, establishing this as one of the
fastest growing spectator sports in America. Team RFC uses this growing
popularity as a "platform" from which to express its message of love and
inspiration to motorsports.
The
Christian Motorsports International, Inc. family of ministries conducts
non-denominational chapel services at local and professional racing events
nationwide, providing pre-race chapel services, invocations, and a pastoral
presence for more than 1600 racing events each racing year -- including drag
racing, open wheel racing, motorcycle racing, boat racing, stock car racing,
off-road racing, airplane racing, and street rodding events. President Larry
Smiley also serves as the official chaplain for the National Hot Rod
Association, the world's largest racing organization.
For
many people involved in motorsports, either as a profession or as a hobby,
consistent participation in a local church body is difficult. For some, Team
RFC provides the pastoral support not unlike that which they would find from a
home church, including: communion, weddings, vow renewals, baptisms, baby
dedications, hospital visits, sick calls, memorial services, and funerals.
