This weekend was Halloween but it was also the weekend to celebrate All Saints Day. As many reflected on "saints" that had touched their lives and helped them, I got to pondering about saints in my favorite world of NASCAR.
Yes, there was the program on today called "NASCAR Angels," where folks are helped by some of racing's most notables. Many of the more visible race car drivers have foundations that raise money for children, or pets or the environment and perhaps they could be classified as "saints" as well.
Of course, most NASCAR fans would deem Kyle and Patty Petty "saints" for all they do to help children in need through their Victory Junction Gang Camp. In memory of their son Adam, who passed away in a racing accident, the Pettys have been absolutely devoted to establishing camp for children with serious and chronic illnesses.
But I want to highlight another NASCAR "saint", one of those behind the scenes "saints" who would most likely describe himself as just an every day kind of guy. This NASCAR "saint" is Charlie Langenstein, mechanical supervisor for Hendrick Motor Sports, in charge of all technical aspects of the 48 and 24 teams.
Charlie is a racer himself, starting on the dirt tracks of Pennsylvania, including Nazareth Raceway and the Reading Fairgrounds, as well as the Flemington Fair Speedway in New Jersey. This racing experience became the foundation for Charlie's passion for the sport and was his training ground for all things mechanical.
Langenstein has achieved many honors in his career. Most recently, he was named "Mechanic of the Year" and was inducted into the Modified Hall of Fame in May.
But all these achievements do not qualify Langenstein for sainthood. It is other aspects of his life that are worthy of this label, at least in my most humble opinion.
We were fortunate enough to get to know Charlie Langenstein through up-and-coming young racer Bruce Hibbs, Jr. Hibbs and Langenstein work together on KAR Racing, a division of Charlie Langenstein Motorsports.
Shortly after getting to know Charlie, my dear NASCAR fan was diagnosed with lymphoma. She had to endure the inevitable chemo and other difficult treatment, losing her hair and struggling to cope with all of the side effects of the drugs to fight her illness.
When Charlie learned of her battle, he wanted to do something to help. He knew there was nothing more special to any NASCAR fan than to have garage passes to a NASCAR race.
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