Witnessing God in the fast lane

When Bobby Labonte takes the green flag in Sunday’s Daytona 500 in Florida, he’ll be racing for victory – and the Lord.

The hood of Labonte’s car is both a shameless movie plug – “The Passion of the Christ,” coming soon to a theater near you, and some new-style proselytizing for the Gospel.

Yes, witnessing has moved from the revival tent to the fast lane.

“It’s a chance to get the word out,” Labonte said about the ad on his car. “Someone who is curious about Jesus and has never been saved sees the race and says, ‘Hmm, I’d like to see what that’s about.’ … Maybe we can change their minds.”

NASCAR racing and the Christian faith have often worked hand-in-hand, from infield services for drivers, crewmen and officials to the pre-race invocation to the annual break in the schedule for the Easter holiday.

Now comes a car promoting “The Passion of the Christ,” a movie to be released Feb. 25 that already has drawn lavish praise from conservative clergy – including the Rev. Billy Graham – but some complaints from Jewish groups fearing it will stir up anti-Semitism.

For Labonte, it was a no-brainer to plug Mel Gibson’s film on the No. 18 car, especially since the movie focuses on the seminal event in the Christian faith – the crucifixion of Jesus.

“I know how much it has impacted my life and my family’s life,” said Labonte, a former NASCAR Winston Cup champion.