April 4, 2004

I WAS going to do this week’s column on the 30th Grand Prix of Long Beach (gplb.com), but why waste my time on such mainstream sanity when I can offer you, my beloved reader(s), the Christmobile?

Yep, you read that one right. The Christmobile, operated by JC Racing (christmobile.com – three guesses as to the identity of JC) is a race car plastered in slogans which read "Jesus Cares" on the bonnet, "Jesus is Lord" on the spoiler and "Jesus Saves" on the sides. It also says "BIG BOB'S BBQ SAUCE" above the air intake, but I think that’s a sponsor rather than something they used during the Last Supper.

JC Racing’s mission statement – if you can find it, given it’s in blue text on a grey background – is to use the Christmobile to spread the word of Christ. And the word of BIG BOB'S BBQ SAUCE, of course. Its president, Gary E Sturdivant, makes no bones about what he’s doing: "I’m the owner who started this team and I’m a minister. I use this car for the Lord". Mr Sturdivant realised that, as racing is such a huge sport in the US of A, then a racecar would be the ideal way to get the message across. You know, because churches are soooo old-fashioned, aren’t they?

It’s not all about advertising salvation, though. JC Racing is a serious team and has had some pretty good results since its inception in 2001, finishing in the top five in several races and taking the podium in a couple of others. The car was even voted fans’ favourite in 2002, although whether that’s because the fans believe Jesus Saves or love the taste of BIG BOB'S BBQ SAUCE remains unexplained. By the way, if you want to know more about BIG BOB'S BBQ SAUCE then don’t go to the website – there’s nothing there but a 404 page.

In my opinion (which I know counts for bugger all round here), Mr Sturdivant missed out on a greater publicity opportunity – as he’s on a mission from God, why not dress the driver in dark glasses and a black suit? Hang on, I think I hear a thunderbolt coming my way...