As much as Dillon Welch loves being in a race car, he's excited about his opportunity outside the car this week.  The sixteen year old racer is joining tens of thousands of other young Christians from around the country for the National Youth Gathering (NYG) in New Orleans.

"It's an opportunity I may never have again," Welch said before leaving for the airport.  "Racing is becoming more and more full-time and this is a chance for me to take a week and dedicate to my faith."

The week-long annual event will be held in downtown New Orleans and many of the festivities will take place at the Superdome.

"That area has been through a lot the last couple years.  Sometimes it's nice to stop and dedicate some time to thinking about why you have what you have," Welch said.  "That's what NYG is for me."

Welch, and about 50 other high school age students from his Carmel church, will spend the week in New Orleans with approximately 35,000 other teens exploring their faith.

"There will be a lot of fellowship; a lot of time to share and strengthen our faith," Welch said.  "There are Christian speakers and bands there too, so there will be plenty to do and a lot of fun."

One of those bands will feature Welch on bass guitar.

"The Cross Point Band from our church will be playing at several events in New Orleans," Welch said. "I'm really looking forward to it.  We've been practicing for a long time and I'm excited to play in front of a larger crowd than the 500 or so we play in front of at church."

As much as Welch loves racing, he knows this is an opportunity he is fortunate to enjoy.

"God has blessed me in so many ways; not just racing," Welch said recently.  "My faith is very important to me."

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