November 10, 2025
HAMPTON, Ga. — More than 40,000 NASCAR fans flood EchoPark Speedway in Hampton for two events each year, and there is not a place they can go on site without interacting with Raceway Ministries Atlanta.
Approximately 300 volunteers spend two weekends per year intentionally cultivating relationships with fans to spread the gospel and help them make eternal life decisions.
Executive Director Connie Yancey, who has led the ministry for 16 years, said it’s one-on-one evangelism. “We’re not here to have a Billy Graham Crusade, we’re here to look for our ONE because Jesus has that one just for you,” she said. “I do it all the time. What’s your story? Do you mind if I tell you mine? My story is a God story.”
Cultivating relationships is the number one mission, and it’s done in a number of ways.
A mayor, or host, volunteers all week to build trust and form relationships with returning and first-time campers in nine campgrounds, and helps with check-ins, checking credentials, making sure campers are in the right spot, and providing assistance if there are medical issues. In the larger campsites, they have multiple hosts. “It’s easy to do because many of our guests camp in the same place every single race," Yancey explains. "We do life with them.”
Volunteers cook, host, and serve breakfast on both race days. Christian concert artist and worship leader David Akin leads worship on Sunday. Campers flock to this tent because NASCAR drivers are interviewed after breakfast. “We have table hosts and we have people who bus the tables, refill their beverages, and pick up their plates. They are treated like they are in a five-star restaurant, but they are in the campground.”
Before the race weekend begins, NASCAR truck drivers are also provided breakfast and information about Christ and their value to Him.
In the EchoPark Fan Zone, volunteers at the RMA Kids’ Zone paint faces, lead games, and assist in a pinewood derby race. The winners are introduced on the Fan Stage and interviewed just like the NASCAR drivers. “If you are a NASCAR fan, that’s a big deal,” said Yancey.
Approximately 40 golf carts assist fans on track property and in the grandstands. Volunteers also provide golf cart support and concierge services in the grandstands.
Prayer cards are located at each ministry site, and every person who fills out a card is contacted twice, first by a volunteer and then by Yancey. “The next time we see them, they come to us and say ‘I sent you my prayer card’. And, we get to talk to them about that and pray with them.”
When people see Raceway Ministries volunteers, they know they will get help. “Just like Jesus, just looking to meet needs,” said Yancey.
Donations are taken at various locations, including on the carts. Everything is free "because Christ’s love for us is free, but it cost him everything.” Expenses for each race are about $35,000. There are two races per year. They get about $12,000 per race from golf cart tips. “God has provided for us every single time.”
There is always a need for volunteers. Those who are interested can sign up on their website at RMATL.com.
First Baptist Hampton member Steven Thomas, who began volunteering seven years ago, said, “sharing love on people that need assistance and need help getting to the track and back, you hope to share Jesus or share a message a little bit during the day when you can.”
Fifteen-year veteran Brent Yeargin says it’s a different way of serving. “I’m not a preacher. I’m not a worship leader. What I can do at the racetrack is I can drive a golf cart and give them a smile or a laugh, or help them with whatever problem they are having, and talk with them briefly.”
In a separate tent, RMA supports volunteers with meals, drinks, and fellowship. "They get everything they need,” said Thomas.
At the June race, the track invited them to take the snow cone trailer to one of their concerts and hand out snow cones. “We’re just stepping in God’s steps wherever He opens the door," said Yancey. "If it fits our ministry model of being able to cultivate relationships with unbelievers, we say 'yes!'”
Ministry at the track began in 1990, when the track was renamed Atlanta Motor Speedway. First Baptist Church Hampton realized the traffic was going to come in front of the church, so they started giving out cups of water to those stopped and waiting in traffic.
“The roots of this ministry started with a cup of water in His name,” Yancey said.
With permission, Flint River Baptist Association held worship services in three tents on the raceway grounds.Yancey and her family were involved in those tent ministries. They attend First Baptist Hampton.
Her son, Elliott, helped in the First Baptist Hampton tent. He later toured with NASCAR as a chaplain, but now serves as pastor for First Baptist Church Forest Park. Today, he coordinates the community mayors and other area hosts prior to race day.
Elliott’s Godly vision led to the pancake breakfast, which made it more comfortable for campers to come into the worship tent.
Due to ministry growth, a nonprofit organization was formed and a board of directors was established. Yancey, who has no interest in racing, was told by God to give up her medical speech pathology practice and lead the ministry in 2009. “I brought no expertise to the table. He chose the least qualified and the least likely person so HE would get the glory.” And she said God has done it every step of the way.
Yancey’s dream is that believers get out of the church pews and intentionally walk among spiritually dead people and join in God’s work.
She doesn’t know what the future holds. She said a succession plan will be made, but she isn’t ready because she is so energized doing it. “It won’t look the same, but God has got somebody in mind to lead this ministry in the future. I can testify that you don’t have to be qualified to do it.”
RMA is one of the largest racetrack ministries in the United States and is part of the National Fellowship of Raceway Ministries.
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