Iowa Speedway Ministries

A Note from Craig Armstrong

"I have heard many folk reach for hyperbole when they say that they 'couldn't do' a job or task without a particular group or person. In fact, it's usually only a token compliment for a job well done. But I have to say that it's no 'hype' when I describe Iowa Speedway Ministries' role at the track as literally indispensable.

Iowa Speedway's phenomenally positive reputation - among fans, competitors, officials and vendors - results from delivering a very high level of customer service in everything we do. It would be virtually impossible to simply hire event workers to do the often overlooked, yet vitally important jobs at the track that are performed with care, enthusiasm, and humility by the dedicated volunteers of Iowa Speedway Ministries. Jobs such as operating golf cars to bring carry from the overflow ADA lots to the track's ticket gate, offering aid, comfort, and transportation to area medical facilities to the families and friends of an injured competitor or patron, and providing a friendly and uplifting place for folks to gather in the parking lot before and after events. Jobs that create and maintain good will among everyone concerned with the operation.

Having worked with track chaplains at Portland Speedway in Oregon, and Racers for Christ at Atlanta Dragway, I can attest to the tremendous benefits that a ministries group brings to a racetrack operation. Having Christian men and women on site, willing to serve the needs - physical and spiritual - racers and their fellow race fans, is a tremendous asset to the track as well as to everyone involved with the sport. But even with that experience in my background, I have been absolutely amazed at the level of service and do it all...cheerfully, skilfully and prayerfully, and I commend them for it. God continues to bless us through their Good Works, and I am very grateful for their many contributions!"

Craig Armstrong: Iowa Speedway Vice President, Promotions and Communications

Support Our Ministry

Iowa Speedway Ministries is an independent ministry funded by donations from supporting churches, private individuals and local organizations. In addition to providing Iowa Speedway Ministries the wonderful opportunity to minister during races, Iowa Speedway is one of our corporate financial supporters. We welcome new financial supporters to enable the Iowa Speedway Ministries to enhance and extend our ministry capacity and quality. We have a number of specific projects and ministry opportunities that await funding. Please contact the Iowa Speedway Ministries Directors, Aaron Loree or Merle Smith, to learn more about our needs and opportunities at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

You may send your tax deductible gift to Iowa Speedway Ministries, 620 S. 8th Ave. E., Newton, Iowa 50208. Iowa Speedway Ministries is a 501C3 charitable tax-exempt organizaiton through Christian Motorsports International, Inc. PO Box 1208, Gilbert, AZ. 85299.

Our History

The staff of Iowa Speedway planned from its beginning to involve chaplains and volunteers from Newton and the surrounding area to have a ministry presence on race weekends. Our ministry has full support of Iowa Speedway staff as we work in harmony to provide the best overall family atmosphere possible.

In 2007, Iowa Speedway invited Mark Young, pastor at First Christian Church in Newton to be the director of chaplains for Iowa Speedway. Mark had previously served as chaplain at I-35 Speedway in Mason City, Iowa. Aaron Loree, pastor of First Baptist Church in Newton, also helped during our first year at the Speedway. Team 316 chaplains assisted as well.

Iowa Speedway Ministries was formed at the beginning of the 2008 race season. God has opened the doors to various ministries at the Speedway and more help was needed. In 2008, Chaplains Merle Smith and Kevin Glesener were added. That same year, Iowa Speedway Ambassadors became a vital part of our ministry driving the ADA shuttles and serving in other areas. Chaplains Fred Criswell and Audrey Young joined us in 2009.

In 2009, Iowa Speedway partnered with Christian Motorsports International Inc. Family of Ministries in Gilbert, Arizona. This provides our ministry with accountability and non-profit status. You can read more about Christian Motorsports International at www.teamrfc.org. This organizaiton is also known as Racers for Christ.

Beginning with the 2010 season Aaron Loree and Merle Smith with be co-directors. Pastor Mark continues as a speedway chaplain as do Fred Criswell and Audrey Young.

We look forward to an exciting year in 2010 as God continues to open many opportunities for ministry. Please contact us if you would like to join or support our work.

Our Style

Jesus calls us to go into all the world to share the good new of Jesus Christ. Jesus went to where people lived, worked, and played. He didn't wait for people to come to him. He went to them. We happen to go to the Speedway to be with people. We believe in the motto of Christian Motorsports International of "Bringing Inspiration to the world of motorsports."

We serve at the invitation of Iowa Speedway and are a presence-based ministry. Iowa Speedway Ministries' philosophy of ministry is one of a low key, servant, relationship style. We believe in serving and being where the people are with consistency and availability. We remain sensitive to the needs of those we are called to minister to and with.

Iowa Speedway Ministries reaches out to a number of church members who attend racing events. When possible we provide chapel services for those who are unable to attend their home church on race day. We provide spiritual care when asked.

Welcome to Iowa Speedway Ministries

Welcome to Iowa Speedway Ministries serving at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. We provide various ministries to race fans, visiting sanctioning bodies, fire and safety personnel and Iowa Speedway Staff.

Iowa Speedway Ministries was formed in 2007 and the ministry has grown each year. More than 40 volunteers and chaplains typically minister inside the speedway during a race event. We provide ADA shuttle drivers, ushers, tram hosts and hostesses, and wherever we may be asked to serve at any moment.

Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa, generously donated a 20'X40' ministry tent to be use for chapel services, concerts, a gathering place, and for other events.

On race days Iowa Speedway Ministry chaplains minister in a variety of ways. Chaplains are area clergy who donate their time to provide pastoral care on race weekends. Chaplains coordinate closely with Iowa Speedway Fire and Safety to offer spiritual counseling to the hurting and their families. They operate the Iowa Speedway 15 passenger van to transport family members and friends of patients to and from the hospital when appropriate. They also make follow-up calls when necessary. Our chaplains assist chaplains from each sanctioning body in whatever capacity they need. Our chaplains also work with EMS workers and First Aid stations in the grandstand and concourse areas inside the speedway.

Ambassadors are lay people who assist the ministry in various ways. Ambassadors provide golf cart transportation, hospital transportation, ushering, chapel assistance, tram and booth hosts, and wherever God calls us to serve.

Both Ambassadors and Chaplains agree to serve in the ministry under the authority and direction of the ministry leadership. Training is provided and required.

We have an Iowa Speedway Ministries booth on the concourse with information concerning our ministry. We have printed material available such as Bibles, tracts, Christian Motorsports Illustrated, and other brochures for race fans.

Iowa Speedway Ministries appreciates the support and help of the Iowa Speedway staff.