Graniteman - Racing and religion

If the RD was done and handed the mike over to someone to pray why would you think there would be 'last minute announcements' that you missed?  I don't think that was really your concern at all.  I'm not sure why you felt a need to leave during the prayer.  I can't imagine the prayer lasting more than about 30 seconds.   Maybe you could have just sat there and looked around for a few moments to respect those that wanted to pray.

I find it interesting that you saw this sort of thing up north.  I thought we only did this sort of thing in the bible belt of the deep south. 

~Mike

I live in MS. Same here. I call it the Baptist's backyard. Truthfully, I sometimes find it tiresome. But doesn't hurt to stop and be respectful of others for a few moments.

They do that at our local race series (Tri the Parks).  I am not religious, but I respect people's religion in general, so I wait until it's done.  Just like if someone is moving around for the National Anthem, I don't freak out anymore.  I just stand at attention because it means something to ME.

So, in short, show the RD respect and use the moment how you see fit.

Not to hijack your thread, but I would like to pose a question to others.  Would you be so quick to say, just bow your head and be silent (etc) if instead of a Christian prayer, a Muslim, Hindu, Wiccan rite was performed?

I would be just as 'tolerant' but I feel others would act as the OP and feel it was ok.

I was there and did not even remember it until I saw this thread.  I've been racing in MN for 5 years and this is the first time I recall something like this at a pre-race meeting.  I am a Christian and didn't think much about it.  As another poster guessed, it did take maybe 30 seconds.  It wasn't a big deal for me.   

Ever been to a NASCAR race?

Never participated in an even that had a prayer at the beginning. 
But I grew up attending a Christian school - and I am not a Christian.  My school has morning assemblies every day to sing hymns, pray and do school daily announcements.  We are required to show up at the assemblies for the announcement purpose, but we are free not to follow the prayer or hymns. 

I bet you can use the same strategy - just stand there for the respect of the believers, while doing some people watching.  Most of the prayers don't last long anyways. 
It's like when they have the National anthems before the start - I am a foreigner and that anthem doesn't really mean much to me.  Out of respect I would stand there instead of running around when the anthem is being sung.