Robert Hamel

Chaplain
New London-Waterford Speedbowl, Thompson
Let me introduce myself, my name is Bob Hamel and I have had the privilege to serve as a chaplain for Racing with Jesus Ministries for the past year. Yup that’s right, I’m the new guy. I am the Associate Pastor of Castle Church in Norwich Connecticut. My loving wife of 21 years, Jaime, and I have been blessed with four awesome boys, Aaron (AJ) – 16, Jacob – 13, and twins, David and Micah – 11. I also have a 23 year old son, Derek, who lives out in Ohio. I am a retired Lieutenant from the Connecticut Department of Corrections where I served for 21 years. I now work at Electric Boat in New London Connecticut as an Electrical Senior Draftsman. I grew up in Thompson, CT, where racing was ingrained into me. My father and other family members raced in the early 70’s at Thompson and Seekonk. I worked as part of the safety crew at Thompson from1986 – 1995. I was a crew member on a strictly stock at Waterford for a couple of years in the mid 90’s. I have always loved the sport of stock car racing. In 2018, while attending the modified race at Loudon with two of my sons, I witnessed the some RWJM chaplains praying with the drivers after their introduction and it sparked something in my heart. Over the following months I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that God was calling me to combine my passion for auto racing and my love for Jesus. So I contacted Reverend Don Rivers to express my interest in serving God by serving the racing community and the rest is history. It has been a privilege and a blessing to serve the racing community over this past year at Thompson, Stafford, and Loudon. I love the fact that I have been able to re-establish some older friendships, but more importantly establish new ones. But my favorite thing that I do with the ministry is being able to pray with each of the drivers before the race, praying with crew and family members, track staff, and the fans. This opportunity has strengthened my relationship with God and has served to inspire a couple of my sons, AJ and Micah, to follow in my footsteps. I am looking forward to what 2020 brings. I don’t know what God has planned for me, but I am looking forward to going to more tracks in the region, establishing new relationships, and sharing the love of God. See you all at the track! God bless