Dirt track racing has been described as the most American of all races. In figure 8, short course or TT, it is exciting from start to finish. But when you talk of The Mile, you are describing the ultimate in dirt racing. On a mile oval, at speeds up to 120 mph, racers challenge each other in the straights with bikes stripped of anything non-essential, including front brakes, and race handlebar to handlebar in the corners, even trying to pass-all while sliding sideways in the dirt, no brakes allowed if you want to win. It takes skill, courage, and bit of insanity, but also trust. For you need to hope the guy within inches of you will do the right thing,and not crash, possibly taking you out. For 25 miles in the main event, action is non-stop.
My first mile I watched was on July 4th, 1976, at the fairgrounds in Albuquerque. Such names as Gary Scott, Hank Scott, and Jay Springsteen, along with another National Champion Kenny Roberts drew in thousands of fans to watch them race handle bar to handle bar. But it was Roberts who lit up the crowd that day, although the main was won by Hank Scott. His bike was underpowered, so instead of racing in the lower groove where the pack went, he went high above them, entering faster, passing the pack, and slingshotting off the high berm-only to be passed in the straights, then pass them high in the corner again. At 120 mph, with no front brake, and only his Ken Maley steel shoe to guide him as he was almost sideways in the turns. That's racing!
While at California Speedway a few weeks ago, a high speed 2.5 mile asphalt, banked oval, while watching the WERA race, I was amazed at the skill the racers possess. And at speeds upwards of 180 mph, would race so close to each other, it was hard to make out who was who on the track. And like any other race, it is not the fast guys you worry about, it is the back markers, or slower racers that as the race goes on you approach and lap. And these are the dangerous ones-for the leaders are used to racing at a level they can't, and because they are approached so quickly from the rear, you don't know which line they will take. And when traveling 250 feet per second, the time it took to read this sentence, they have covered a 1/4 mile, while making decisions on which line to take. Fortunately they wear orange to alert the fast guys, but there is always the danger in slower, less experienced, and less talented racers. And not surprisingly many a race is decided when the leader cannot get past them. But as they will tell you, gentlemen, that's racing.
Backmarkers are found in every aspect of life, and also in the family of God. There seems to always be someone not as mature as you, and choosing words to guide them takes relying on God, trusting Him so you don't follow them into the wall. I am reminded almost daily anymore, that we are all on different maturity levels in our relationships with God, all saved, but at different points in walking with Him. Whereas some of us have to trust God, others have been blessed with finances, health, and abilities that stand in the way of getting to know God deeper. Some cling to their denominational beliefs, inhibiting the spirit from guiding them as they adhere to incorrect and non-scriptural beliefs-true backmarkers in life, who can be dangerous when encountered. From them you hear such things as "don't judge me," not yet realizing God wants us to be wise as serpents, and have spiritual perception in situations. I find it interesting that only someone in sin says that, as why would you not want to have wisdom is any situation? When would you not want to be led by God? But in the same sentence, I am reminded that to others-most people, I am a backmarker, still working out my salvation-like a man working out at the gym, with Jesus. I am not the man He desires me to be yet, so through prayer, study, and fellowship I get closer to God. Until He takes me home, perfection seems just around the next corner-with only backmarkers between me and Him. He teaches humility, and I have learned that I rather be humble that humiliated. And sadly when you are humbled, can't tell anyone how humble you are.
Knowing when to pass wins races. Knowing God wins eternal life. When you encounter your next backmarker, show Him the same grace and mercy God shows you. It's possible that He may pair you up in the next race, and it is better to race with someone you can trust, as opposed to someone you don't. Take the line that leads to the cross-the example Jesus set in His podium finish on the cross. Now there is someone you can trust-go with the winner, knowing that someone greater than you died so you can have the same podium finish in life that He did. To finish first, you must first finish-an endurance race instead of a sprint. And to those who pass me, just wave, and don't look over your shoulder-it is what's ahead that is important. Go for the prize-Jesus. On any track, He holds the record.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com