CHAPLAIN

Founded in 1996, at the dawn of the Indy Racing League’s inaugural year of competition, the Indy Racing League Ministry is a 501c3 not-for-profit, non-denominational Christian organization dedicated to providing spiritual support and counseling to the Indy Racing League and Infiniti Pro Series family of competitors, teams, safety crews and officials both on and off the track, during the season and the off-season. With the exciting growth of the Indy Racing League, there is greater need now for the IRL Ministry than ever before. In addition to trackside Chapel services, the IRL ministry provides year-round Bible Studies for the members of the IRL and Pro Series communities, and with increased pressures and demands on drivers, teams, officials and their families the ministry is available to assist in many different ways. IRL Ministry is available to provide support in times of crisis as well as encouragement during the challenging, often high-pressure racing season. Mark Wingler served as the first IRL Ministries chaplain and developed the ministry from its inception. In July 2002, Wingler resigned his position to pursue other interests, and Bob Hills assumed the role as chaplain beginning with the IRL’s Ameristar Casino Indy 200 at Kansas Speedway. Chaplain Hills is present at every IRL race, as well as many open tests, and also supports member(s) of the IRL community through hospital calls and race shop visits. “I appreciate having the privilege to serve the IRL in this capacity,” said Hills. “I followed open-wheel racing for well over 10 years. When you have the love of racing and the love of Christ, it makes for a great combination. “This is an opportunity to share the good news of Christ with those within the Indy Racing League as well as an opportunity to share Christ with fans and those outside the league.” Hills, a native of Meadville, Pa., joined the IRL Ministry as the assistant chaplain in 2001. An ordained minister, Hills brings more than 20 years of counseling experience as well as crisis intervention training and experience in private practice. Prior to that, he served as a minister in various capacities, including a youth minister. Hills has a bachelor of arts degree in Christian ministries and a Master of Arts degree in counseling from Cincinnati Bible Seminary. He also has a Master of Science degree in clinical psychology from Cal State University. Hills and his family live in Indianapolis. The IRL Ministry Board of Directors is: Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Scheid (board chairman) and his wife, Diana; Indy Racing League Founder and President Tony George and his wife, Laura; Pennzoil Panther Racing Co-owner John Barnes and his wife, Jane; and Indy Racing driver Billy Boat and his wife, Andrea