Are There Saints In NASCAR On All Saints Sunday?

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.

So, Charlie arranged for my friend and her husband to have hot passes for the Pocono race, the track closest to home for them.  They were able to spend the entire race weekend, in spite of over 100 degree temperatures, on pit road and in the garage area, watching all the action.

My friend was able to stand right next to her favorite driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for the pre-race ceremonies.  And she spent every moment of the race in Junior's pit stall, carefully watching each pit stop and adjustment.

Charlie made all of that possible, an adult version of a "make a wish" if you will.  And I do believe that my friend has progressed so well and made it into remission thanks to the lift that this special NASCAR experience gave her.

But Charlie and his wife Beth are saints in so many other ways.  In 2002, their daughter Riley was born early, suffering a brain bleed and a stroke.  It was touch and go if Riley would make it and how debilitated she might be.

Riley did indeed survive and she has become Charlie and Beth's miracle child.  Their lives are full, taking care of her and their other children, to whom they are incredibly devoted.

But Charlie didn't stop there.  He and Beth knew that they had been given so much help when they were going through their toughest times as a family.

They wanted to give back as well.  So, Charlie and his family started the Riley & Friends Foundation to help raise money for children just like Riley.

Riley herself designed the logo for the Foundation.  The logos includes the characters Weebee and Sheebee, figures that Riley has drawn since she was two years old (see article photo for Riley's logo).

Whether taking care of Riley, raising money to help other children, or racing with his own team, Charlie always finds time for others.  Recently, he sent us emails in the middle of the night as he and his team worked 24/7 to prepare Jimmie Johnson's car that he is racing today at Texas.

Charlie knew that my husband worked on Wall Street and just wanted to check in to see how he was holding up with all the turmoil in the stock market.  Charlie also checks in regularly with my friend, even supporting her on her recent walk to raise funds for others battling lymphoma.

That's what makes Charlie a NASCAR "saint" in my book.  I'm absolutely sure that he will be totally mortified by this story, as he is most humble and never seeks the spotlight.

And I'm sure Charlie would say that a Hendrick Motor Sports win at the track today would be thanks enough for his work.  But today, on All Saints Sunday, this NASCAR saint most assuredly deserves a little bit more of the proverbial spotlight.

So, Charlie, on this All Saints Sunday, thank you for being one of the best examples of a NASCAR "saint."  You are most certainly one in our book.

For more information about the Riley & Friends Foundation, please check out the website:  www.karracing.net.