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.
12 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
racethis 50 8 months ago
Mary Jo,
What a wonderful story! It is people like Charlie and his wife, who are the unsung heroes, who do what is most important in life without being asked or without accepting recognition. I hope many read this story and use it as inspiration to take some time in life to do things that really matter. Bravo for the article and thank God for people like Charlie and Beth! What a wonderful example they set for us all.
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Mary Jo Buchanan 8 months ago
Agreed - the Langensteins are the best and hopefully will inspire others - I know they inspire me every day. Hope you're well!
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racethis 50 8 months ago
I'm doing well and heading to Concord, NC next Saturday to watch our favorite young racer do his thing in the North/South Shootout :) (It's about the only way I get to see my daughter lately, haha) I figure a little shopping and a little racing will make for a great weekend getaway!
What's the next race for you Mary Jo?
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Mary Jo Buchanan 8 months ago
That sounds like great fun - give him our best wishes. No more in person races for us - just sitting by the TV for the last two of the season. Then serious depression sets in!! Enjoy!
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S M Napier 8 months ago
Great story, MJ. Thanks for sharing it with us, glad your friends doing well and Charlie gets my vote for NASCAR's Man Of The Year.
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Mary Jo Buchanan 8 months ago
Thanks Mike and for the pick as well!
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Saraswathi Siriginia 8 months ago
Lovely my dear...
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Mary Jo Buchanan 8 months ago
Thanks Sarah....special person. Hope you're well.
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Kara Martin 8 months ago
Oh Mary Jo, this is such a heart warming article, Charlie is indeed a saint. Thank you so much for sharing it! After a long, chaotic night at work this was just the story that I needed to put a smile on my face!
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Mary Jo Buchanan 8 months ago
Thanks Kara - hope you're not working too hard!!!!
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Crabber 1967 . 8 months ago
Thanks for the story Mary Jo!
Well Done.
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Mary Jo Buchanan 8 months ago
Crabber - thanks so much for the read, pick and comment!
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