Christian Athlete Co by Ricky Bumgardner Jr
September 11th, 2026: Charlotte, NC
The MRO Bump N’ Run 5K returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway on September 23, 2026, bringing one of the most unique and energizing nights in all of motorsports. For one evening, the iconic ROVAL becomes a place where runners, walkers, skaters, ruckers, strollers, and hand‑cyclists can experience the track in a way normally reserved for NASCAR’s best. Participants will take on a fully closed course that winds through the infield road course, climbs the banked turns, and finishes at the same line where champions have been crowned. The night offers rare access to Pit Road, Victory Lane, and the NASCAR finish line, creating a bucket‑list experience that blends racing heritage with the excitement of a festival under the lights.
Motor Racing Outreach began in 1988 when a small group of NASCAR drivers asked Max Helton to provide spiritual support at the track, realizing that the demands of the racing schedule made traditional church involvement nearly impossible. What started as a simple request quickly grew into a full‑time ministry built around relationships, presence, and care. Over the years, MRO has become one of the most trusted and essential support systems in motorsports, offering chaplaincy, counseling, crisis care, marriage and family programs, youth activities, and emotional support for drivers, crew members, officials, and their families. Racing is a high‑pressure, high‑risk world where competitors spend weeks away from home, face intense stress, and often deal with life’s biggest moments while on the road. MRO steps into that gap with compassion and consistency, becoming the quiet backbone of the sport—present during victories, injuries, tragedies, celebrations, and every moment in between. Their influence strengthens the racing community from the inside out, making motorsports not just a competition, but a family.
"Just being around the track and watching Faith come alive when individuals like Nike Terry of MRO meets with drivers and gives them and their families that opportunity to shut the world off and get connected with Jesus is really awesome to watch. You can tell it means a lot to the drivers who are dialed into their Faith" ~ Ricky Bumgardner Jr, Owner of the Christian Athlete Co
This year brings an important update for fans and families: anyone coming to cheer on a participant must purchase a festival‑only ticket through registration in order to access the venue and enjoy the post‑race celebration. It’s a simple addition that ensures everyone inside the speedway can fully experience the night’s energy, music, food, and fireworks together.
When the race concludes, the celebration continues on the front stretch grass with MRO Fest, a full evening of entertainment featuring awards, food trucks, live music, and a special performance by Colony House. The night ends with fireworks over the speedway, turning the ROVAL into a gathering place where families, fans, and competitors can slow down, connect, and celebrate under the lights.
What makes this event truly meaningful is the organization behind it: Motor Racing Outreach. For nearly four decades, MRO has quietly served as the emotional and spiritual backbone of the racing world. Racing is a lifestyle built on travel, pressure, danger, and long stretches away from home. MRO steps into that reality with chaplains at the track, crisis support, marriage and family programs, youth activities, hospital visits, and a ministry built entirely on relationships. They are present during victories, injuries, tragedies, celebrations, and every moment in between. Their work strengthens the sport from the inside out, supporting drivers, crew members, officials, and families who live life on the road.
The Bump N’ Run 5K is more than a race. It’s a celebration of motorsports culture, a showcase of community, and a chance for fans to experience the ROVAL in a way few ever will. It unites the racing world outside of competition, highlights motorsports as a lifestyle that includes fitness, family, faith, and music, and directly supports the organization that supports the sport. Running the ROVAL, celebrating with Colony House, and supporting MRO all in one night creates an experience that fans and families will never forget.
Registration is now open, and tickets can be purchased at: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/89684/bump-n-run-5k-and-mro-fest
Don’t just watch racing history — run through it, celebrate it, and be part of a night that captures the heart of the motorsports community.
