Former NASCAR driver Reverend Joseph Bubbico, better known as Rev. Joe Bubbico, recently passed away. He was 73. The Whelen Modified Tour driver took part in ten races between 1985 and 1986.

In his two seasons, Rev. Bubbico had an average starting position of 31.8 and an average finishing position of 24.4.

However, Bubbico was also a Track Chaplain.

Journalist Chris Knight posted the unfortunate news on his Twitter. “Saddned to learn of the passing of Rev. Joe Bubbico this afternoon. Always very sad to lose a member of the #NASCAR community. He will be sorely missed,” he tweeted.

Racing with Jesus Ministries also paid tribute to the Track Chaplain.

“We have learned of the passing or Rev Joe Bubbico. Joe was a racer and a chaplain with a passion for seeing people turn their lives to Jesus. He will be missed,” they tweeted.

The inseparable bond between NASCAR racing and faith, according to Rev. Joe Bubbico

In an interview dating back to 2005, Rev. Joe Bubbico described the simple reason why it’s uncommon for a racecar driver to be an atheist.

“When you’re doing 180 heading into a curve, it’s you and God,” Rev. Joe Bubbico said. “You can either realize that, or you can get yourself into more trouble if you think you’re on your own out there.”

During an address at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Rev. Bubbico spoke about and spread the good word through Racing With Jesus Ministries.

“Auto racing and God go together,” he said. “Actually, God goes together with everything; we just don’t realize it. God says, ‘You need me, and because you are my children and need me, I love you and want the best for you.”

“If you want to go racing, fine—just don’t forget me.'”

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