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The Rev. Heidi Truax brought her pulpit to pit lane at Lime Rock Park for 17 years, delivering pre-race invocations that blended spirituality with horsepower—a unique calling that made her one of motorsports’ most memorable personalities.

EARLY YEARS

Born in Santa Anna, California, to Betty Hewett Lorenz and Hans Lorenz, Heidi’s path to both the priesthood and racing would take her far from her West Coast roots. She grew up with deep ties to the Episcopal Church, eventually settling in Connecticut where she became actively involved with Christ Church Sharon—singing in the choir, serving on the Vestry, and holding the position of treasurer for six years[1]. Married to Philip Truax, she raised four sons—Aaron, Tobias, Matthew Hans, and Luke—who all graduated from Sharon Center School and Housatonic Valley Regional High School[2]. But her calling to ministry grew stronger, and after serving as a missionary in Honduras with the Episcopal Church, Truax felt the pull toward ordination[3].

OTHER INTERESTS

Beyond her devotion to ministry and motorsports, Truax holds impressive academic credentials that reflect her commitment to education and pastoral care. She earned a Master’s in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in Spirituality, a Master of Divinity degree, and a Doctorate of Ministry[4]. Her professional life also extended into school counseling—she served as Executive Director of the Office of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advisement for Chicago Public Schools and later became a Clinical Assistant Professor of School Counseling at Roosevelt University while working full-time as a school counselor at Simpson Academy for Young Women[5][6]. In 2025, she was elected President of the Bratenahl Historical Society, continuing her dedication to community service[7].

EARLY SUCCESS

Truax entered Berkeley Divinity School at Yale Divinity School in January 2001, balancing her studies while raising her family[8]. She was ordained as a deacon in June 2005 and as a priest in January 2006[9]. Shortly after, she became the priest at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lime Rock, Connecticut—a tiny parish situated just beyond the entrance to Lime Rock Park, one of America’s most historic road racing circuits[10]. It was a perfect collision of faith and fuel. The church had long welcomed visitors to the track for services, and Truax embraced the unique relationship between her congregation and the racing community[11]. She didn’t just minister to parishioners on Sundays—she became a fixture at the track itself.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2007–2024: Delivered the pre-race invocation at Lime Rock Park racing events for 17 years, becoming a beloved tradition for drivers, crews, and fans[12].
• 2024: Gave the pre-race invocation at NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park, referencing Psalm 121 with “Racing in beautiful Lime Rock reminds me of the psalm ‘I lift up my eyes…’”[13]
• 2024: Joined pre-race ceremonies alongside NASCAR driver Hailie Deegan and racing legend Geoff Bodine for the SpeedTour All-Star Race[14].
• 2024: Retired from her role at Trinity Lime Rock Church after 16 years, with her final service celebrated in June[15].

INSPIRATIONS

Truax’s inspiration came from the intersection of faith and community—particularly a community as vibrant and unconventional as motorsports. She saw racing as a metaphor for life’s journey, filled with risk, speed, perseverance, and the need for grace. Her invocations weren’t stuffy or generic; they spoke to the heart of what it meant to push limits while asking for protection and wisdom. She supported Lime Rock Park and its staff throughout her tenure, building genuine relationships with everyone from track workers to champion drivers[16]. Her ability to connect the sacred with the profane—prayer with the roar of engines—made her a bridge between two worlds that don’t often intersect.

REPUTATION

Truax earned a reputation as more than just “the racing reverend.” She was known for her warmth, accessibility, and ability to make everyone feel welcome—whether they were lifelong Episcopalians or first-time track visitors who’d never set foot in a church. Her invocations became a cherished part of race day rituals at Lime Rock, and she was respected not just for her words but for her genuine love of the sport and its community[17]. Drivers and fans alike appreciated her presence, and when she announced her retirement in 2024, the outpouring of gratitude was immediate. She left the door open, though—admitting she’d likely return for special events like the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race[18].

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

While Truax officially retired from Trinity Lime Rock Church in June 2024, she hasn’t entirely left the motorsports world behind. She’s indicated openness to returning for select racing events at Lime Rock Park, particularly high-profile races that hold special meaning[19]. Her future also includes leadership of the Bratenahl Historical Society, where she’s channeling her passion for community and preservation into new projects. For someone who spent nearly two decades blessing cars before they hit the track, it’s safe to say retirement won’t mean slowing down—just shifting gears.

REFERENCES

[1] Truax, Rev. Heidi – Salisbury Association Site
[2] Philip Shaffer Truax | The Lakeville Journal
[3] Truax, Rev. Heidi – Salisbury Association Site (Missionary work)
[4] FCM May:June 2024 Newsletter – Federation of Christian Ministries
[5] I AM ASCA – Heidi A. Truax, Ph.D.
[6] Heidi Truax | Roosevelt University
[7] LAMPLIGHTER – Bratenahl Community Foundation
[8] Establishing a new relationship with God | The Lakeville Journal
[9] New Lime Rock pastor welcomes one and all | The Lakeville Journal
[10] From the Pulpit to Pit Lane, Rev. Heidi Truax Retires After 17 Years – Lime Rock Park
[11] The Absurd Community Fight That Could Cripple One Of America’s… – Jalopnik
[12] From the Pulpit to Pit Lane, Rev. Heidi Truax Retires After 17 Years – Lime Rock Park
[13] Racecars roar in NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park – The Lakeville Journal
[14] Even More Star Power Added to the SpeedTour All-Star Race – Trans Am Series
[15] Reverend retires – The Lakeville Journal
[16] From the Pulpit to Pit Lane, Rev. Heidi Truax Retires After 17 Years – Lime Rock Park
[17] Trinity Church’s 150 Year Anniversary – Main Street Magazine
[18] From the Pulpit to Pit Lane, Rev. Heidi Truax Retires After 17 Years – Lime Rock Park
[19] From the Pulpit to Pit Lane, Rev. Heidi Truax Retires After 17 Years – Lime Rock Park