If you are a fan of fast cars and racing, you may have heard of Kingdom Racing, a Katy-based non-denominational Christian organization that believes the Bible is the irrefutable word of God. This INDYCAR racing team has a unique mission: To deliver God’s word through motorsports.
In 2008, Kingdom Racing made history as the first faith-vision team to ever compete in the vaunted Indianapolis 500 mile race. Last year their trackside fan festival featured the Christian rock band Building 429, which performed and led praise and worship at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The goal is to reach as many race fans for Christ as possible.
“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us”
With Hebrews 12:1 as their inspiration, founder George Del Canto began Kingdom Racing with the blessing of his wife Marichu. Previously she had stood by him when he sold his company to Enron and lost everything when Enron went bankrupt in 2001. It was during this time that Del Canto turned his life over to Christ with the help of sermons by Pastor Ed Young of Second Baptist.
In 2008, shortly after launching Kingdom Racing, Marichu was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor that eventually took her life. After her passing, many came to Houston to join Del Canto and their three children in celebration of her life, knowing her physical suffering was over and that she was with her heavenly Father. Throughout it all, she had consistently encouraged her husband to build Kingdom Racing, which he did as a tribute to her legacy as a wife, mother, friend and devoted Christian (and, as always, will be remembered by her loved with joy this upcoming Mother’s Day).
Kingdom Racing participated in consecutive Indianapolis 500 races with Davey Hamilton behind the wheel and partner with Davey and Wagner Racing to put Brandon Wagner on the track in the Indy Lights Series in 2009. Since then, the team has never looked back and now also include Simon Pagenaud and Martin Plowman as drivers.
Miles of Smiles
Kingdom Racing has two races scheduled in April (Long Beach and Alabama). One major event of the year is the Indy 500 on May 25th. “Our driver this year, Simon Pagnaud, will be competing in all these races in the #77 car,” says Communications Director Cristina del Canto.
Also on the roster is the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston on Jun 27th. During each race Kingdom Racing will be hosting Miles of Smiles, a program that invites special guests to the Grand Prix. These guests are church nominated individuals or families who have gone through or are going through hardships (spiritual, emotional, financial, etc). Guests are given VIP access to the race, including credentials, and spend the day with the Kingdom racing team, race car drivers and celebrities. “We pray with them and listen to their stories. We also continue to stay in touch with them throughout the year,” says Del Canto.
On Track in God’s Kingdom
The word of God forms the basis of relationships as the race team operates, collaborates with sponsors and communicates with their fan base. Kingdom Racing collaborates with national organizations that share these core values and offer on and off track related outreach programs that will build disciples of men, women and children. Kingdom Racing has established relationships with key national partners and ministries such as Man in the Mirror, Creation Museum, Fiesta Mart Inc., Athletes in Action, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, INDYCAR Ministry and Campus Crusade for Christ.
With six years of race performance and six consecutive Indy 500 mile races, Kingdom Racing concluded their second full season of INDYCAR competition in 2013. The Lord has given us the INDYCAR field to sow, and we intend to do so in a manner worthy of His name,” Del Canto says.
Visit www.kingdomracing.net to learn more about INDYCAR and read the testimonies of many racecar drivers who have found Christ.
