Editorial Reviews:

"Whether you are a race fan or just someone interested in the landscape of what has become the fastest growing spectator sport in America, you will be enlightened and often challenged by what you find in this book. Dale writes with a passion for the people he served, and you will see firsthand how he led the racing community on our spiritual journey. It is our hope that you will discover the similarities between race preparations and the preparations we all need to make in life. Chandra and I join Dale in inviting you to trust God in your daily life before the thunder rolls." —Jimmie Johnson, from the Foreword

"Now the wisdom and insight that Dale has offered to me and others in the NASCAR community are available to you. Many of the sermons that encouraged and challenged me have become chapters in this book. One of them has provided a constant reminder to me of how God touches our everyday lives. Dale was discussing life’s choices and referenced a “surface plate”—the common template we use in the race shop to build our cars so we have accurate measurements at the race track. Life has a surface plate as well, Dale taught us. God has given us this surface plate—his Word. As we go through life, we can make choices based on truth and change the balance." —Ryan Newman, from the Foreword

"Dale Beaver was born to be the NASCAR chaplain. Dale has never been overwhelmed by the glamour or the seductive-hype of the community he shepherds. Dale has the same affection for and pays the same attention to the most anonymous of NASCAR participants as he does the most recognizable of NASCAR celebrity billionaires. Dale writes from a place of intimate knowledge of the sport he serves and a genuine passion for all the people of the NASCAR family whom he loves. He is truly an expert in all the things that really matter." —
Dave Haney, Senior Pastor, Riverbend Church, Austin, Texas

"Dale is an incredibly gifted storyteller. He has a special down-home way of tying real life to the nuts and bolts of God's message and will for us. Before the Thunder Rolls uses NASCAR racing as a metaphor to explain biblical teaching like no other book. It's an eye-opener for anyone in racing -- from the stars in the driver's seat, to the teams in race shops and the loyal fans in the stands who hear that thunder streaking by at 200 miles per hour. A must-read for anyone seeking real power." —John Jeppesen, Motorsports writer and publicist

"Dale Beaver on speed and spirituality is a winner. He not only offers fresh looks at NASCAR and the Christian life, but in a breezy read he shows us how to make room on our steering wheel for God's hand." —Robert Lipsyte, author of Yellow Flag

"The lessons learned in the exciting and competitive environment of NASCAR stock-car racing can be life changing. Dale has captured many of those in his book Before the Thunder Rolls. I would encourage anyone who is looking to explore or deepen their faith to read this inspiring collection of devotional stories." —Tim Griffin, Vice President & Director of Spiritual Formation, Lead Chaplain, NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, Motor Racing Outreach

"For NASCAR fans, this is the ultimate devotion book...Pull in for a spiritual pit stop."—Christian Motorsports Illustrated

"Before The Thunder Rolls is a must-read for our chaplains. Dale Beaver really points out the need to know the tribe to whom we are called.” —Ken Webb, West Central Regional Director, Racers For Christ

"The truths from the Word, wrapped in stories from racing, will click with those of us who thrill to the sights, sounds, smells, and 'good vibrations' of the motorsports world...It is wonderful to hold a book that combines our passions for the Christian faith and for racing." —Team RFC (Racers for Christ) Update

"An abiding expression of deepest faith, and also a respectful tribute to the many people who make NASCAR possible." —The Midwest Book Review

"Biblically sound, thought provoking, and often entertaining." —Church Libraries, Spring 2008

"This is a perfect book for racing fans of all ages in your church." —Congregational Libraries Today, 2009