What he is known for:

Morgan Shepherd is a bona fide NASCAR legend. He has finished in the Top 10 or better in nearly half of his 744 Nextel Cup, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series races.

Shepherd has experienced the life of a man at the pinnacle of his sport. He has also experienced the life of a man at the threshold of self-destruction with alcohol.

Morgan Shepherd’s story is ultimately one of a man who has rebounded to a life of victory and glory. However, it’s not just the glory associated with NASCAR’s victory lane. Morgan Shepherd has found Victory in Jesus, and he gives the glory to God.

His testimony:

As the son of a convicted moonshiner, alcohol had always been a part of Morgan Shepherd’s life. Often times leading to trouble.

Shepherd recalled: “The only time I felt good was when I was drinking.�

Returning home from a race, he found that his wife had left him.

“After my first wife left me, I thought I would live it up. But after a weekend of partying, I got to thinking…if all this is so great, how come I feel so badly?�

Although he had attended church, Shepherd had never surrendered his life to Jesus.

“I had never really turned my life over to the Lord, so he let me get good and miserable. I fell down on my knees and I started praying. I wanted to change my life. By the time I was done, I had accepted Jesus as my Savior. After that, I felt like I could jump straight through the ceiling!�

In 2001, Shepherd formed the Victory in Jesus Racing Team, placing Jesus’ name in large letters on the hood of his race car. But controversy would soon follow.

“Initially, NASCAR didn’t have a problem with it. When we ran at Martinsville, ESPN gave us a lot of television coverage. NASCAR received some complaints from people who were probably atheists. They (NASCAR) came to me and told me to remove Jesus from my car. I told NASCAR that I would respect their decision, but in my heart I believed that they were wrong.�

Shepherd removed Jesus’ name from his car, opening a Pandora’s Box for NASCAR.

“NASCAR received a lot of complaints that I had to remove Jesus from my car. Showing how the Lord works, they reversed their decision a few weeks later and said I could put it back.�

Victory in Jesus Racing was back on the track. But not just as a racing team. It had become a ministry.

“A lot of people fail to realize that Victory in Jesus Racing is a ministry. It’s Morgan Shepherd’s Mission Field. We are blessed that we can reach millions of people through NASCAR. We’ve received thousands of letters and e-mails from people all over the world who have been led to Jesus…Russia, Germany, Austria, even South Africa. This is an awesome opportunity.

Victory in Jesus Racing operates on a shoe string budget, with no major corporate sponsorship. Although Shepherd has a few loyal sponsors, they are small in comparison to the other NASCAR teams. So he relies on donations from his fans to keep his car on the track.

“We’re not in this for the money. But like any ministry or church, we need money to operate. Most of the racing teams out there have at least 25 employees. Victory in Jesus has only 2...and they’re under-paid. It costs almost $15,000 just to get the car to the track. That’s not including the up-keep or the engine, which costs $70,000. It seems like Mission Impossible. But we’re out there…God makes it possible. He does miraculous things.�

At age 63, Shepherd is the oldest active driver. Many find it miraculous that he is still physically able to endure the intense rigors of NASCAR racing.

“The air temperature inside the car can reach 140 degrees. The surface temperatures inside the car reach 175 degrees. They’re so hot; you can’t even touch ‘em. After races, many drivers need oxygen or icing down. But I’m out walking around and feeling fine. I’m not supposed to be able to do what I do at my age. It’s all God.

What we can learn from him-

Shepherd has advice for men beginning their Walk with Christ.

“Firstly, read the Bible! Secondly, go to a church that is preaching the whole Bible. There are all kinds of churches preaching false doctrines. You must be aware of that. And remember, if you truly accept Christ, the problems in your life may not go away. But the problems with yourself, be it drugs, alcohol or whatever, will go away.

Here is someone who has been there and done that, and what an example he is to Christian men all over the world.

Donations to Victory in Jesus Racing are accepted at www.morganshepherd.com

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