I spent nearly three decades in the auto racing industry. During that time, I realized many similarities between the racetrack and the track of life.

For example, in auto racing, the driver has a team led by a crew chief who helps him navigate the track and overcome obstacles. The crew chief constantly reminds the driver to hit his marks, not to race the other cars on the track, and to focus on racing the track itself.

A spotter is also positioned in a high location to see what the driver cannot. He informs the driver of what is happening in front of and around him. And, of course, there is the pit crew who stands ready to add fuel, change tires, and adjust the car to handle better on the track.

Like the racer on a racetrack, we need an excellent team to help us run the race of life. Along the way, we will face unexpected obstacles that require patience and endurance. A trusted spiritual leader can help us navigate those obstacles because they can see the things we can’t. Their broader vision helps us adjust so that we can be our best.

Sometimes those adjustments require us to strip away things and people that slow us down.

Hebrews 12:1–2 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (NLT).

God doesn’t expect us to run this race alone. He’s both our crew chief and our spotter. He is positioned high and can see what no one else can. He can help us, through His Word and His Spirit, to make adjustments and move forward victoriously. Along life’s way, He’ll bring people into our lives—a pit crew of sorts—to help us keep our momentum and focus on the race.

Like every good racer, we need a trustworthy crew to help us run the race before us. God created us for community, and He gave us different gifts and abilities to help one another. Others can often see what we cannot. They can help us avoid collisions, develop strategies and goals, and even advise us when to hit the gas, tap the brakes, or pull in for a pit stop.

Having the right crew is essential; you’re only as good as those you surround yourself with. Who is helping you run your race? Is it a trusted person who can guide you to God’s finish line?

In Philippians 3:14, the Apostle Paul says, “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (NLT). Paul knew which race he was running. Do you?

As you press on toward your heavenly prize, you will need goals. Every racer needs marks (goals) to keep them focused on the target and going in the right direction. What goals have you set to help you maintain focus? Pray about where you want to go and then set small, daily goals to help you get there.

Sure, the race will be challenging, but challenging races bring remarkable victories. Don’t give up.

Keep fighting the good fight of faith. Run your race with patient endurance, consistently lay aside everything that slows you down. Surround yourself with good people and follow the lead of your crew—God will always be there to show you the way.

Then, when you cross the finish line of the race of life, know that God will be waiting for you with a crown of righteousness and the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23; 2 Timothy 4:7–8). What a celebration it will be!

Randy Claypoole’s career in auto racing spanned 26 years. During that time, he served as a NASCAR chaplain and public relations/media representative. He also owned and operated the ISCARS Dash Touring Series, a professional auto racing series. As a member of the Victorious Living prison event team, Randy helps those who feel disqualified for God’s race get back on track.