Donnie Floyd
Gulf War Veteran, Former Police Officer, Chaplain thru Motor Racing Outreach †
God's free grace awoke me. Living, but not for myself anymore!
"While I consider myself a fairly normal guy, my path has been marked by extraordinary experiences. Overcoming a near-fatal motorcycle accident and a Tourette's syndrome diagnosis at 14, I've been blessed with a life richer than I ever imagined, witnessing and participating in events many never will.
My foundational years were spent as a Security Forces Peacekeeper in the Air Force, an eight-year tenure that allowed me to explore the globe. I lived for two years in South Korea, experienced Puerto Rico, served in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, and resided in numerous places across the United States. My time serving our nation fills me with deep pride.
This commitment to service naturally transitioned into a five-year career in Law Enforcement. My roles in patrol, street drugs, and later as a Vice/Narcotics investigator exposed me to profound realities. Encountering poverty, death, hatred, varied cultures, different languages, and the sheer power of government reshaped my entire worldview.
Yet, divine intervention led me to a new calling. In 1999, I joined Hendrick Motorsports, working with the #5 NASCAR race team. For 17 seasons, I crisscrossed America, providing pit support and race car production, contributing to 154 wins, and proudly collecting nine Championship rings. I had the honor of working on the cars of racing icons: Terry Labonte, Brian Vickers, Casey Mears, Kyle Busch, Mark Martin, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon, and Chase Elliott. My career then shifted to a fulfilling role as the full-time Chaplain at Hendrick Motorsports through Motor Racing Outreach, where I now support the emotional and spiritual lives of over 750 teammates.
Off the track, I've shared 30 wonderful years of marriage, and we're blessed with two children, now 20 and 23. My personal joys include theology, mountain and road biking, delving into acoustic guitar, and eagerly following our teams' races every weekend!"