NASCAR invocation thanks God for engines

GLADEVILLE, Tenn., July 25 (UPI) -- A Tennessee preacher injected some humor into his invocation at a NASCAR race by thanking God for engine manufacturers, fuel and tires.

The Rev. Joe Nelms of the Family Baptist Church in Gladeville gave the invocation before Saturday's Nationwide Federated Auto Parts 300 in the city and thanked God for engine makers Roush and Yates "partnering to give us the power that we see before us tonight," The (Nashville) Tennessean reported Monday.

The pastor also thanked the Lord for "Sonoco racing fuel and Goodyear tires that bring performance and power to the track."

Nelms also referenced Will Ferrell's character Ricky Bobby from "Talladega Nights" by thanking God for his "smokin' hot wife."

"In Jesus' name, Boogity Boogity Boogity, amen," Nelms said, quoting NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip.

Race winner Carl Edwards said he enjoyed the humor in the prayer.

"I turned to Jack (Roush) after that. I said, 'If anything happens, I want him to be at my funeral.' That was one of the best invocations I have ever heard," Edwards said.