Anyone who has spent time around Trevor Bayne knows the driver is a devout Christian who enjoys discussing his faith. But after he became an overnight celebrity with his Daytona 500 victory, he's been able to spread his message to a bigger audience.
That attracted two media outlets to NASCAR's Tuesday teleconference who don't typically call in: Christianity Today and Sports Spectrum, which bills itself as the "No. 1 Christian sports magazine."
It's clear that the Christian world has a new star who is devoted to help spreading the word.
Bayne was more than happy to speak on the topic of his faith when asked by the two outlets. Christianity Today asked Bayne if he could "offer some words of encouragement to folks who are low on hope."
"There were times when I was down," Bayne answered. "There was a six-month period when I was out of a race car in what I thought were going to be the most crucial years of my career. And they were – but God had a plan for them all."
Bayne said he prayed before the race for God to "draw him closer to us" through whatever happened on the track that day, saying he would be at peace with the outcome.
Even if he had a bad day, Bayne said, "there's something greater to it if we're just faithful."
Sports Spectrum asked Bayne to expand upon his thoughts that his success was "bigger than just racing."
"The goal is not to be the best race car driver, it's not to be the most marketable, it's not to be the most popular," Bayne said. "It's to build a platform and let God use us on the platform that he's building."
Bayne's father, Rocky, spoke about his son's goals a day earlier, saying Trevor wanted his career to be about "more than just winning."
"The only thing I can say is, the Lord is in control," Rocky said. "He's watching over him and he's taking care of him. That's his platform, and that's what Trevor's using it for. It's his goal, it's his mission, and that's what he's going to do."
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Trevor Bayne's Faith-Based Message Draws Christian Media Attention
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Comments
Ugh...
Why do athletes always thank god when they win, but never blame him when they lose? Seems pretty convenient to me.
I hate that people are always thanking “god” for the great things that happen to them instead of giving credit to our natural human ability to accomplish things.
For example, a man who was run over by a car and survived would say “I thank god for saving my life!”. Of course, he never blames god for sending the car in his direction in the first place, or thanks the doctors who dedicate their lives to understanding medicine.
/end atheist rant.
Carry on.
by Eric Mitz on Feb 22, 2011 3:53 PM EST reply actions
If you read Jeff’s blog instead of just spewing your intolerance, you would have seen that Trevor was thankful to God through the bad times when he had no sponsorship last year as well during the good times of winning the Daytona 500. There are plenty of athletes, entertainers, Presidents, and regular folks who throw out the name of God when it is convenient and live the rest of their lives in a way that most benefits themselves. I don’t know the guy, but from what I’ve read (and heard Carl Edwards say on Sportscenter) Trevor walks the walk. Assuming you are right and there is no God, at the very least Trevor seems to be dedicated to being kind to people and helping others, and I’m not sure how that can be seen as an “ugh…”.
by stevemichalik on Feb 22, 2011 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
Steve, well put. Jeff, great article. Thanks for posting it.
Trevor seems to be a very genuine person. Like all of us, I’m sure he has his flaws; but, I’m glad he’s not afraid to talk about his personal faith. It seems to be a big part of who he is and from what I’ve read, people like him. I’ll bet it even makes him a better driver in some ways.
Congrats, Trevor. I’m a new fan.
by Epioneer on Feb 22, 2011 8:57 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think Eric was "spewing intolerance" at all.
Just voicing his opinion. Just because it might not agree with your own personal beliefs is no reason to call him out….
****Please end the Melodrama. Just make it go away!****
I may skank around and visit my other favorite teams' SBNation blogs, but I always come home to www.stlouisgametime.com and my beloved St Louis Blues.
Also...St. Louis Cardinals. Denver Broncos. Univ of Denver Hockey and Lacrosse. Colorado Mammoth and Colorado Outlaws Lacrosse.
by HockeyHippie on Feb 23, 2011 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry to say it was a petty comment to make when the article was just showing a side of Bayne. Yes athleets/famous people throw around the “thank God” a lot but are full of it and use it as an out. Its nice to see someone who is not, and I am not religious at all. Bayne seems to back up his devotion to faith and from his interviews sounds like a person who would treat someone with a negative view like Eric with respect, even if he would not agree with him.
I root for Kyle Busch because he pisses everyone off, and I love it... Trevor Bayne is my new guy, Jr, Harvick, J-Mac, Mark Martin, Denny, Smoke, Kurt Busch and the Roush guys (except Ragan) and always The Wood Brothers...
Twitter: @Len_DiJoseph
by Len_DiJoseph on Feb 24, 2011 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
You’re right – I did call out that comment as intolerant because it goes against a personal belief of mine – my belief that you should not be condescending or disrespectful toward someone else because of their beliefs. I didn’t call Eric out as a person, as I don’t know Eric. For all I know we may sit together in the stands of a race someday and have a nice time. Unless he has a problem with Kyle Busch… :)
by stevemichalik on Feb 26, 2011 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
Part of the reason I became a fan of Trevor’s a year ago is because of his faith, so thank you for putting this article together for us to read, Jeff and informing us of those calls.
by 09pmcolb on Feb 22, 2011 6:14 PM EST reply actions
:)
Say what you want but I am so proud of Trevor Bayne for letting everyone see the faith he has in God, and if you ask me I think we need more drivers like Trevor in Nascar.
by MariaFair on Feb 22, 2011 9:02 PM EST reply actions
Steve
I’m sure Trevor would love to sit down with you and explain to you why he would thank God regardless of the outcome. People that lose don’t always have a public platform for expressing the praise to God for things. A lot of that is most likely done in prayer and is something you most likely wont see. A person who’s really true in their faith like Trevor is doesn’t simply thank God when he does well. Go back and look at his twitter account and you will see him expressing his love for God even before leaving for Daytona.
by alan8385 on Feb 23, 2011 11:51 AM EST reply actions
I’m not religious by ANY stretch but it doesn’t matter. I respect others’ right to be. If faith in God is what floats Trevor’s boat & helps him be a winner, as well as weather difficulties, more power to him. If we have a driver who is an atheist, Jew, Muslim, Wiccan, Buddhist, Great Spaghetti Monster etc & gives credit, DITTO. It’s their personal belief OR non-belief, and they have the right to express it in public. I frown on those who would discourage expression.
by DRLDeBoer on Feb 23, 2011 12:00 PM EST reply actions
It’s the Flying Spaghetti Monster, even though it is great.
…now back to our debate.
by Missa on Feb 23, 2011 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
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